Co-Defendants in McDonald's Parking Lot Murder to be Tried Separately

Judge rules co-defendants Tristin Cofield and Dajuan Heath will not be tried together due to prosecution's untimely motions filing.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Two co-defendants, 17-year-old Tristin Cofield and 24-year-old Dajuan Heath, charged with the murder of 38-year-old Briane Gaye in a Baltimore McDonald's parking lot will not be tried together, a judge ruled. Cofield is being tried as an adult, with both facing murder and multiple weapons charges. Court documents state that Cofield was under the supervision of the city's Department of Juvenile Services when the incident occurred.

Why it matters

The decision to try the co-defendants separately could impact the outcome of the case, as the prosecution may have to present evidence and arguments independently for each defendant. This ruling also raises questions about the handling of juvenile offenders in the criminal justice system.

The details

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland ruled that Cofield and Heath will not be tried together due to the prosecution's untimely filing of a motion to argue for a combined trial. Cofield is being tried as an adult, and both defendants are facing murder and multiple weapons charges.

  • The incident occurred on an unspecified date.
  • The judge's ruling was made on January 30, 2026.

The players

Tristin Cofield

A 17-year-old co-defendant being tried as an adult for the murder of Briane Gaye.

Dajuan Heath

A 24-year-old co-defendant charged with the murder of Briane Gaye.

Briane Gaye

A 38-year-old victim who was murdered in a McDonald's parking lot.

Melissa K. Copeland

The Baltimore City Circuit Court judge who ruled that the co-defendants will be tried separately.

Department of Juvenile Services (DJS)

The city agency that was supervising Tristin Cofield when the incident occurred.

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What’s next

The judge's decision means the prosecution will have to present evidence and arguments independently for each defendant, which could impact the outcome of the case. The handling of juvenile offenders in the criminal justice system may also be further scrutinized.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to co-defendants and the treatment of juvenile offenders. The separate trials could lead to different outcomes for the two defendants, raising questions about fairness and consistency in the judicial process.