Lack of Jurors Delays Trial for 2022 Lapala Avenue Attempted Murder Defendant

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The man charged with the attempted murder of his child’s mother on the 4400 block of Lapala Avenue was supposed to start trial but could not due to a lack of jurors on July 27.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John A. Howard informed defendant Joshua Lawrence and his attorney Robert Johnson that there were only two jurors available and jury selection was not likely to happen.

The prosecution stated that one day is expected for jury selection and one for testimony and evidence. Jury selection is expected to start tomorrow and testimony is expected to start on July 31.

Lawrence, 32, also rejected a plea of five years without the possibility of parole for firearm use in a felony violent crime at the proceeding.

Charging documents state that the defendant went to the mother of his child’s house at the 4400 block of Lapala Avenue to return his child and step-child to her. A verbal argument started between the defendant and the victim. Lawrence then grabbed a gun out of his car and allegedly shot at the victim, injuring her.One of the victim’s children called 911 and was describing the crime to police as it happened.