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By
Andrew Michaels
- September 13, 2023
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A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man charged with murder in Baltimore City waived his speedy trial right on Sept. 13 to give his defense counsel time to prepare for trial.
Jaheim Battle, of Coal Township, Pa., appeared in Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn’s reception court on Wednesday for two charges of first-degree murder and single counts of armed robbery, conspiracy to armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, and possessing a firearm as a minor.
According to a WBAL-TV 11 News report, Battle’s arrest was among 104 fugitive arrests made over two weeks in February 2022 as part of federal, state and local law enforcement’s Operation Washout II. The report states that Battle was arrested on the final day of the operation, having violated parole in Pennsylvania.
The defendant was in possession of a firearm with a high-capacity magazine at the time of his arrest, the report states.
During reception court, the prosecution and defense attorney Maureen O’Leary discussed Battle’s charges pertaining to an incident on Jan. 30, 2022. The prosecutor informed the court of a federal law pertaining to the detainment of defendants from outside states, explaining that Battle chose to waive his rights to be tried within 120 days and 180 days under the respective sections of the law.
The prosecutor did not have a plea offer for Battle at this time.
O’Leary and Battle confirmed the latter’s decision and agreed to return to reception court on Sept. 26 to schedule a trial date.