State Dismisses Charges Against Man Due to Lack of Witness

Prosecution unable to proceed to trial without victim's testimony

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A criminal case in Baltimore City Circuit Court was dismissed after the prosecution acknowledged they could not proceed to trial without the victim present to testify. Manuell Sewell, 33, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and other gun violations in connection to a March 2025 shooting, but the case was dismissed when the victim was unable to appear due to medical reasons.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors face when key witnesses are unavailable to testify, particularly in serious violent crime cases. The dismissal due to lack of witness raises questions about the balance between defendants' rights and victims' ability to participate in the judicial process.

The details

Sewell was charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony violent crime and four more gun violations. The prosecution offered a plea deal with a life sentence, suspending all but 40 years, but the defense rejected it and requested a jury trial. When the victim was unable to appear in person due to medical issues, the prosecution requested permission for the victim to testify remotely via Zoom, but the judge denied the request, citing lack of preparation. With no witness available, the case was ultimately dismissed, though it could be refiled later.

  • The shooting incident occurred on March 17, 2025.
  • The case was dismissed on February 4, 2026.

The players

Manuell Sewell

A 33-year-old man charged with attempted first-degree murder and other gun violations in connection to a March 2025 shooting.

Matthew Connell

The defense attorney who represented Sewell and requested a jury trial.

Judge Williams

The judge who denied the prosecution's request to allow the victim to testify remotely via Zoom, citing lack of preparation, and ultimately dismissed the case.

Judge Melissa M. Phinn

The judge who briefly reviewed the case and returned it to Judge Williams for a speedy ruling on the remote testimony request.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The case could be refiled at a later date if the victim becomes available to testify.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors face when key witnesses are unavailable, particularly in serious violent crime cases. The dismissal due to lack of witness raises questions about the balance between defendants' rights and victims' ability to participate in the judicial process.