Missing Victim Delays Attempted Murder Trial

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The trial of attempted homicide defendant Darius Stepney was delayed on Oct. 1 to give the prosecution time to locate the victim.

Stepney, 31, was scheduled to begin trial on Monday before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer for attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and numerous weapons charges stemming from an incident on May 8, 2023. The case was then sent to Judge Melissa K. Copeland, where it was scheduled to return for a status update on Oct. 25.

According to the prosecution, the victim, who is homeless, was recently hospitalized. The prosecutor said she has not been able to find him, but anticipates he will be found given his previous cooperation with the assistant state’s attorney in this case.

Robert Cole, Stepney’s defense attorney opposed the prosecution’s postponement request, citing that the defendant has been incarcerated for 51 weeks. Cole also noted that the prosecutor was sick on Stepney’s last trial date in June; however, the prosecutor clarified that the June postponement was a joint request as defense counsel had needed time to review discovery prior to trial.

Judge Copeland decided to reserve her ruling on a postponement until the prosecution provides an update on the location of the victim later this month.