Suspect in Self-Shooting Scheduled For Trial

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland scheduled a May 19 jury trial for defendant James Richardson, 54, on Feb. 28.

Richardson is charged with possession of a firearm with a drug conviction, having a handgun on his person, illegal possession of ammunition, and firing a handgun within Baltimore City after allegedly shooting himself in the leg.

According to charging documents, police responded to the 2800 block of Oakford Avenue on Dec. 28, 2024 in response to a report Richardson made claiming a Black man in black clothing and a black ski mask robbed him and shot him in his upper left leg. Medics treated him with a tourniquet before transporting him to Sinai Hospital.

At the hospital, detectives spoke to Richardson, who allegedly admitted he fabricated the story and confirmed that he injured himself after purchasing a firearm from a friend. He claimed he placed the firearm in the right pocket of his pants after “a vehicle drove by and spooked” him. He then accidentally discharged the firearm, which ejected a round that penetrated his leg.

Richardson’s May 19 jury trial will be held before Judge Althea M. Handy. Judge Copeland informed Richardson that he will have to represent himself if he does not procure a defense attorney by his trial date.