Judge Starts Jury Selection in Baltimore Shooting Trial Despite Plea Delay Request

Defendant Kyree Brannon intended to enter guilty plea, but judge refused to postpone proceedings

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A Baltimore judge refused to postpone a shooting trial on February 20th despite a request from the defense that 18-year-old defendant Kyree Brannon intended to enter a guilty plea the following Monday. The judge expressed frustration with both the state's attorney and defense counsel over prior delays, and ordered jury selection to begin.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing challenges in the Baltimore criminal justice system, including issues with trial preparation, scheduling, and the handling of plea bargains. The judge's decision to move forward with jury selection despite the defendant's stated intent to plead guilty raises questions about balancing efficiency and due process.

The details

Brannon is charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and firearms violations for allegedly shooting at another teenager without warning in a residential area of Northeast Baltimore in April 2025. The victim was treated for gunshot wounds to his left arm and back. The day before the scheduled trial, the state's attorney had requested a postponement to handle another case, but the request was denied. On the day of the trial, the defense said Brannon intended to plead guilty on Monday to speak with the victim over the weekend, but the judge refused to delay the proceedings further.

  • The shooting incident occurred on April 27, 2025.
  • The trial proceedings began on February 20, 2026.

The players

Kyree Brannon

An 18-year-old defendant charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and firearms violations for a 2025 shooting incident in Northeast Baltimore.

Judge Yolanda A. Tanner

The Baltimore City Circuit Court judge presiding over the trial proceedings.

Justin Hollimon

The defense attorney representing Kyree Brannon.

Judge Melissa K. Copeland

The Baltimore City Circuit Court judge who denied the state's attorney's request to postpone the trial proceedings the day prior.

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What they’re saying

“My experience with you is your preparation. I need you to tell me more fully what the issue became with Mr. Brannon's case that you're not prepped.”

— Judge Melissa K. Copeland (Baltimore Witness)

“We can't hold this over til Monday.”

— Judge Yolanda A. Tanner (Baltimore Witness)

What’s next

The judge ordered jury selection to begin on February 20th, despite the defendant's stated intention to plead guilty on the following Monday.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing challenges in the Baltimore criminal justice system, including issues with trial preparation, scheduling, and the handling of plea bargains. The judge's decision to move forward with jury selection despite the defendant's stated intent to plead guilty raises questions about balancing efficiency and due process in the city's courts.