Shooting Suspect Dismisses Attorney to Represent Himself

By McKenna Yoder - December 16, 2024
Attempted Murder | Court | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

Feeling spurned by his defense counsel and confident to represent himself in trial, a murder defendant dismissed his attorney in the Baltimore City Circuit Courtroom of Judge Jeffery M. Geller.

Tyrelle Fields, 40, is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, the use of a handgun in a crime of violence, illegal possession of a handgun, firearm possession with a felony conviction, illegal possession of ammunition, carrying a gun, and having a gun on his person, in a vehicle, or in transport. 

Tensions initially rose between Fields and his defense attorney, Jerry Rodriguez, about disputed evidence.

After dismissing Rodriguez, Fields also tried unsuccessfully to remove the prosecution and suppress two key witnesses. Fields claimed to possess video evidence they’ve recanted their claims that he was the shooter. 

The prosecution rebutted by saying that the videos appear edited and the witnesses alleged they were coerced into making retractions.

Fields previously showed a video of himself playing basketball, allegedly at the time of the incident. However, the prosecution says the video was taken four hours after the shooting.

Fields then tried to suppress evidence a handgun recovered by investigators, claiming it was never in his possession and that his fingerprints weren’t on it. Judge Geller told Fields to make those arguments in front of the jury. 

Fields then made a motion to suppress the lead detective’s testimony, claiming the officer illegally obtained a search and seizure warrant used to collect Fields’ DNA and search his phone. He told the court that the detective has a history of violence, but Judge Geller found no basis for the claim.

Judge Geller also confirmed that the detective obtained the warrant legally.

Additionally demonstrating his unhappiness, Fields asked for mistrial, saying that he felt attacked by everyone in the courtroom. While the motion was denied Judge Geller said he was sorry Fields believed he was being persecuted.

Opening statements were anticipated on Dec. 16, pending Fields legal maneuvers.