Murder Defendant Returns to Reception Court in New Year

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A defendant charged with a 2020 murder is set to return to reception court in January.

Ronald Alston, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery for his alleged involvement in a murder on Feb. 18, 2020.

Alston’s defense attorney, Brandon Taylor, told Judge Melissa Phinn that he had not received a plea offer from the prosecution in the case and was still waiting on some evidence, including information on the police officer who identified Alston.

Jan. 10, 2022, is the 180 day marker for Alston’s case to be brought to trial, according to Maryland law. However, since the defense was still waiting on evidence from the prosecution and a plea offer has not been relayed, Judge Phinn decided to schedule the defendant to return to reception court on Jan. 10.