Jury selection was postponed the morning of March 9 in a Park Heights murder trial after the defendant, 32-year-old Keith Morris, asked for time to evaluate a plea offer from the state.
Morris is charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy and four gun offenses in connection to the shooting of George Massey III, 38, which occurred Sept. 21, 2024 on the 5100 block of Park Heights Avenue.
The trial, which is being held before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeannie J. Hong, is anticipated to proceed for at least five days.
Prior to trial, the state’s attorney proposed a plea agreement of life in prison plus 40 years. Morris, via his defense, suggested a counteroffer of 30 years on a charge of manslaughter, downgraded from one count of first-degree murder.
The state tabled negotiations, labeling the counteroffer “unacceptable.”
In response, Morris requested the court for one day’s time to evaluate the state’s proposal. Judge Hong approved the request and indicated that jurors chosen in the morning session would remain unsworn until Morris decides whether to accept the plea or opt for trial. The state’s attorney added that prosecutors have repeatedly failed to contact Morris’ sister about plea negotiations.
The state’s attorney noted Massey was shot from a short distance, and that DNA testing conducted on the murder weapon likely detected traces of the defendant’s blood, supporting the possibility Morris handled the weapon during the incident.
Court documents show that Morris also sustained gunshot wounds during the assault and investigators suspect as many as three firearms might have been involved in the clash.
