Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland postponed the trial of Anthony Ford, 27, who is charged in the 2018 death of his infant daughter, Brailynn Ford, after multiple delays and scheduling conflicts disrupted proceedings on Oct. 1.
Ford is charged with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, child abuse resulting in death, and child abuse causing severe physical injury.
On Oct. 4, 2018, Baltimore police were called to the 1000 block of Mosher Street, where Brailynn was found unresponsive. She was transported to the University of Maryland Hospital, where medical experts reported she had no brain activity due to visible injuries. Over the following days, doctors noted injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome, including retinal hemorrhages, brain swelling, subdural hematomas, and bruises on her head, neck, chest, and back. Brailynn was pronounced dead on Oct. 7, 2018.
Wednesday’s trial, before Judge Lawrence R. Daniels, was delayed when Ford was not transported in time for his 9 a.m. proceeding. Counsel was forced to go back and forth between the Mitchell and Cummings courthouses to determine the next steps. The trial did not begin until 1 p.m.
During the trial, both the defense and prosecution requested postponements.
The defense said its expert witness was unavailable for the next month. While the prosecution explained that one of its witnesses had passed away days earlier.
“I really don’t want a postponement,” Ford told the judge.
Judge Daniels, acknowledging Ford’s words, reassigned the case to Judge Melissa K. Copeland, advising Ford to let Judge Copeland know that he does not want a postponement.
However, after noting the repeated setbacks and scheduling issues between both counsel, Judge Copeland postponed the case.
Trial is scheduled to continue on Oct. 2, when Judge Copeland set Ford’s trial on Jan. 21, 2026 before Judge Dana Middleton.
