Patricide Trial Postponed For Change of Attorney

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer granted a motion by defense attorney Thomas Morrow to withdraw from Shanelle Reed,’s homicide case on Aug. 4.

Reed, 38, is charged with first-degree murder and firearm use in a violent crime in connection to the killing of her father, 59-year-old Brian Reed, in January.

On Jan. 18, at approximately 7:15 p.m., Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers responded to the 5600 block of Groveland Avenue in response to a shooting. Thatafter being at the scene an hour earlier for a family disturbance after Shanelle allegedly locked Brian out of the house and called 911 shortly after to report her father assaulted her.

According to a written statement made by Shanelle, an argument between the two became physical, leading her to lock the door. When Brian tried unlocking the door, Shanelle reportedly grabbed her gun and shot towards Brian twice before calling 911 to inform them of the shooting. Investigators secured a crime scene and located a Glock 23, multiple live and inert .40-caliber rounds, and two casings.

Morrow filed the motion to strike his appearance and noted that Shanelle’s original defense attorney, Natalie Finegar, was willing and able to retake the case.

After granting Morrow’s motion, the case was transferred to Judge Melissa K. Copeland, who reset the trial to proceed Oct. 20 before Judge Catherine Chen.