A criminal case against Manuell Sewell, 33, was dismissed in Baltimore City Circuit Court after the prosecution admitted it could not proceed due to the absence of the victim, who was unable to testify.
Sewell faced serious charges, including attempted first-degree murder and multiple firearm violations, linked to a shooting incident that occurred on March 17, 2025, in the 4700 block of Alhambra Avenue, which left a 33-year-old man injured.
During the hearing, the prosecution offered a plea deal that included a life sentence with 40 years suspended for the attempted murder charge, along with five years of supervised probation and a stay-away order from the victim. This offer was declined by Sewell.
Defense attorney Matthew Connell requested a jury trial, which was approved by the court. While Connell expressed readiness to proceed, the prosecution sought to have the victim testify remotely via Zoom due to medical issues preventing in-person attendance. The court was informed that the victim had undergone over 20 surgeries and had developed infections following the shooting.
Judge Williams criticized the prosecution for the late request for remote testimony, pointing out that the State’s Attorney’s Office had been aware of the situation for months and had previously discussed it with other judges. He emphasized that the court should not be treated as a mockery and that the prosecution had not shown due diligence.
After briefly sending the case to Judge Melissa M. Phinn for a decision on the postponement request, Judge Phinn returned the case to Judge Williams, who denied the request for remote testimony, citing inadequate preparation and timing issues.
With no available witness to testify, the prosecution ultimately filed a nolle prosequi, effectively dismissing the case, although it remains possible for charges to be refiled in the future.
Reported by HarborBeat based on Baltimore Witness (source).
0 Comments
Log in to join the conversation.