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By
Caroline Sutley
- February 26, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Defense counsel requested a postponement in the jury trial of 23-year-old Shaun Bullock Jr., who is accused of child abuse resulting in a homicide, before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Martin Schreiber II on Feb. 24.
Defense attorney Jessica Rubin requested the postponement on behalf of Bullock’s original defense attorney, Andre Mahasa, who was absent due to illness.
Bullock faces charges stemming from the death of five-year-old Nivea Anderson on Nov. 21, 2021, including first-degree murder, first-degree child abuse resulting in severe physical injuries, and abuse of a child under the age of 18. Anderson’s family was present during the hearing.
Judge Schrieber apologized to Anderson’s family regarding the multiple delays in the case.
“My heart goes out to everyone waiting for this case to be resolved,” he said.
He noted the emotional tension in the courtroom and explained that the case could not proceed without Mahasa, who had been handling Bullock’s case.
The prosecution did not object to the request.
Judge Schreiber referred the matter to Judge Melissa K. Copeland, where Mahasa briefly dialed in to confirm his availability for next week.
Judge Copeland scheduled the continued hearing for March 3.