Baltimore City Circuit Judge Melissa K. Copeland postponed the trial of a 19-year-old homicide defendant until Apr. 2, 2025. The action came in a reception court hearing on Dec. 3.
Dejuan Cole is charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, having a prior conviction for armed robbery, a handgun on his person, and possession of a firearm as a minor.
Judge Anthony Vittoria, who was originally assigned to adjudicate the case, was unable to appear due to illness.
Cole was then assigned to Judge Paul Alpert, who then sent the prosecution and defense attorney Roya Hanna to Judge Copeland at reception court.
The parties discussed reasons for the postponement including evidence from Cole’s missing cell phone.
Cole agreed to give up his Hicks date right to have a trial within 180 days of his first court appearance, thus extending the deadline until April 2, 2025.
The trial is set to last five days with the presiding judge and courtroom yet to be determined.
