Trial was postponed again on March 30 for Johnnie Teague, a 53-year-old Baltimore man accused of beating his teen stepson to death over two years ago.
Teague faces charges of murder, child abuse, assault and reckless endangerment for the brutal death of 16-year-old Jibreal Payne, who was found with multiple burn marks, bruises, bone fractures, brain hemorrhaging and a bleeding heart at the family’s home on the 400 block of N. Clinton Street.
Officers responded to the Ellwood Park residence on the morning of Jan. 27, 2024 after receiving a call from Teague, who reported that he found Payne at the bottom of the home’s staircase.
Teague allegedly told responding officers that his daughter alerted him after finding Payne unconscious and unresponsive. He claimed he attempted lifesaving measures before alerting law enforcement.
After medical examiners inspected Payne’s wounds, Teague reportedly told investigators that his stepson had burned himself in the shower, and that he had treated the wounds with aloe vera, Vaseline and ibuprofen.
Charging statements note officers then notified Payne’s mother, who advised them that Teague had full custody of her son. Investigators interviewed several neighboring residents of the area, who said they often witnessed Teague beat and burn Payne, and that they had seen him do so the night prior to Payne’s death.
Teague’s trial has faced numerous postponements since 2024. On March 30, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland was forced to reset the trial after notice that Teague’s defense attorney, Andre Mahasa, had fallen ill.
The case is now set to proceed with jury selection on April 10.
