Trial Postponed For Suspect Accused of Killing Man Walking His Grandchildren

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Bryant James Peyton, 27, appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland on June 2 to receive a trial date.

Peyton is charged with first- and second-degree murder and assault, felony firearm use, and multiple firearm-related offenses for allegedly killing Carroll Wonson on Aug. 16, 2024.

According to charging documents, at approximately 6:22 p.m. the day of the incident, Northern District officers responded to the 600 block of Springfield Avenue to investigate a reported shooting. Upon arrival, they found Wonson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and torso. Wonson was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.

Area surveillance footage captured Wonson walking with his two grandchildren into a convenience store. After leaving the store, a man who was later identified to be Peyton was seen shooting Wonson multiple times before fleeing to a parking lot. Wonson’s grandchildren also fled the scene.

Two days following the incident, Peyton’s father reportedly found a handgun by a fence outside his home. A day prior, a neighbor advised officers they saw Peyton near the fence gate on the day of the incident. Firearms examiners processed the weapon and found it likely matched the one used to kill Wonson.

In February, Peyton rejected a plea offer of 25 years, the first five without parole, and agreed to waive his Hicks date. According to the Maryland Hicks rule, criminal cases must commence within 180 days of a defendant’s or attorney’s initial appearance in court.

Peyton is now scheduled to reappear before Judge Copeland on June 27 for further pre-trial proceedings.