A 22-year-old Baltimore man accused of murdering a 23-year-old mother on Mother’s Day received an early February trial date before before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn on Oct. 17.
Tamal Johnson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and three gun violations in connection to the May 11 murder, which occurred near Edmondson Village on the 4100 block of Mountwood Road. Johnson is accused of shooting victim Taniya Gray multiple times as she sat in her vehicle. Gray was pronounced deceased shortly after at an area hospital.
On May 22, Warrant Apprehension detectives and the U.S. Marshals arrested Johnson on the 3000 block of Elizabeth Avenue. He is currently being held without bail.
During the hearing in reception court, the prosecution offered Johnson a plea. Defense attorney Augustine Okeke spoke on behalf of Johnson, proclaiming his client will “respectfully decline” the offer.
Counsel sought an early February date for trial, nearly a month past Johnson’s Hicks date of Jan. 12. The Maryland Hicks rule requires that criminal cases be tried within 180 days of the defendant or defense attorney’s initial appearance in court. The right can be waived on grounds of good cause.
Upon Judge Phinn’s request, Okeke advised Johnson of his Hicks rights, and a five-day trial was set for Feb. 9 before Judge Lawrence R. Daniels.
