Murder Co-Defendants Offered Plea Deals, Joinder Motion Pending

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Murder co-defendants Donta Lomont Taft and Tyree Derelle Wells appeared in a reception court hearing before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland on Nov. 22. The pair received prosecution plea offers during the proceeding.

Taft, 29, is accused of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm possession in a crime of violence and having a handgun on his person for his alleged involvement in a June 12 incident.

Wells, 30, has also been charged in the same crime with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm possession in a crime of violence and having a handgun on his person.

The prosecutor offered the pair life sentences, suspending all but 50 years, five years without the possibility of parole.

Judge Copeland said she would entertain a motion to join the cases so the pair would be tried together. Wells is represented by Judit Otvos. Natalie Finegar is handling the defense for Wells.

A motions hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 24.