Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn presided over a reception court proceeding to schedule the homicide trial of Dontaye Miontez Carter for September 25, 2026.
Carter, 45, is charged with first-degree murder, premeditated conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping, conspiracy to use a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, firearm possession and use in a felony/violent crime. These charges are in connection with the death of Kenneth Lawson, 20.
According to the charging document, on January 22, 2022, Lawson was found deceased on the southbound Route-295 entrance ramp from Westport in Baltimore City. He suffered a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Prosecution evidence indicates that Carter and an associate agreed to kill Lawson in retaliation for an armed carjacking committed against Carter on the previous day.
The defense counsel’s schedule put Carter’s case beyond the mandatory Hicks date deadline. Carter wanted to invoke his right to a speedy trial. However, Judge Phinn postponed the case to accommodate the lawyer’s availability
The trial date is scheduled for Sept. 25, with Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Copeland presiding.
