An Owings Mills man’s first-degree murder trial was postponed Monday after the prosecution’s primary witness reported medical complications following a recent cesarean -section, raising questions in Baltimore City Circuit Court about her ability to testify.
Zion Clayton, 25, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of firearm use in a violent crime and having a loaded handgun on his person in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred late January on the 3000 block of Oakley Avenue.
According to charging documents, on Jan. 24 at approximately 11:21 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of Oakley Avenue for reports of gunfire. After interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, investigators determined two suspects were involved in the fatal shooting.
The victim Anthony McMichael, 36, was transported to Sinai Hospital by a witness for treatment. He was later pronounced dead, and a doctor from the office of Chief Medical Examiner determined his manner of death to be a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.
Prosecutors asked for a postponement Monday, arguing their primary witness was not well enough to testify because of ongoing medical issues. Defense attorney John Deros objected, saying he feared her condition could draw sympathy from jurors and unfairly prejudice the defendant.
Judge Nicole K. Barmore questioned the state’s assessment, noting the witness had been evaluated and discharged. “That’s your assessment, not a medical assessment,” she told prosecutors. Judge Barmore ultimately agreed to move the case to reception court for a final ruling.
Clayton appeared visibly irritated as he waited to be tried. In reception court, Judge Melissa K. Copeland found good cause for the delay and rescheduled the five-day trial for Jan. 6, 2026, before Judge Kendra Y. Ausby.
