Montford Avenue Murder Suspect Waives Right to Speedy Trial

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After counsel informed the court they are awaiting autopsy results and continuing to review evidence, Dakwane Cole agreed to waive his right to speedy trial before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland on May 23.

Cole, 30, is charged with first-degree murder and assault, attempted first- and second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and multiple firearm-related offenses for allegedly killing Bianca Nelson, 30, and injuring her boyfriend in a Nov. 6, 2024 shooting.

According to charging documents, Nelson’s boyfriend was sitting inside a 2010 Ford Fusion on the 1800 block of Montford Avenue when Cole approached and spoke to him. Shortly after, Cole reportedly opened fire, killing Nelson. Investigators recovered several plastic bottles from the scene and found the fingerprints that likely matched Cole’s. Nelson’s boyfriend later positively identified Cole as the suspected shooter via a photographic array.

During the hearing, the prosecution advised they are awaiting autopsy documents from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Defense attorney Gabrielle Michel stood in for Janine Meckler, stating that she is still reviewing discovery materials. Consequently, parties requested more time to prepare for trial.

According to the Maryland Hicks rule, criminal cases must commence within 180 days of a defendant’s or attorney’s initial appearance in court. Cole agreed to waive his July Hicks date, and Judge Copeland ultimately scheduled his trial to commence Oct. 6.