McDonald's Shooting Case Postponed Due to Lack of Defense Preparation

Defense attorney admits he is unprepared to proceed with trial for 27-year-old accused shooter

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A McDonald's drive-through shooting case from last January was postponed on Feb. 18 after the defense counsel, John Deros, admitted he was unprepared for trial. Angelo Jerome Riley Jr., 27, is charged with multiple accounts of attempted murder, assault and firearm use in connection to the shooting, which occurred during the early morning hours at a drive-through window on the 6000 block of Moravia Road.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of adequate legal representation and preparation, especially for serious criminal charges like attempted murder. The postponement raises questions about the defendant's right to a speedy trial and the overall efficiency of the criminal justice system.

The details

Defense attorney John Deros agreed to waive his client's presence for the hearing and said given his workload, he has not spent enough time with his client to sufficiently prepare for trial. Deros asked the court for more time to meet with Riley in order to amend the situation, stating 'This is a very serious matter' and that Riley 'needs my 100 percent.' Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Michael A. DiPietro accepted Deros' claim that he was unprepared and gave him the remainder of the day to meet with Riley. The prosecution also agreed to postpone the trial, which is now set to reconvene the morning of Feb. 19 with jury selection.

  • The shooting incident occurred during the early morning hours on January 2026.
  • The case was postponed on February 18, 2026.
  • The trial is set to reconvene on the morning of February 19, 2026 for jury selection.

The players

Angelo Jerome Riley Jr.

A 27-year-old man charged with multiple accounts of attempted murder, assault and firearm use in connection to the McDonald's drive-through shooting.

John Deros

The defense attorney representing Angelo Jerome Riley Jr. who admitted he was unprepared for the trial and requested more time to meet with his client.

Michael A. DiPietro

The Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge who accepted the defense attorney's claim of unpreparedness and granted a postponement of the trial.

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What they’re saying

“This is a very serious matter. He needs my 100 percent.”

— John Deros, Defense Attorney (baltimorewitness.org)

What’s next

The judge will oversee jury selection for the trial on the morning of February 19, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of adequate legal representation and preparation, especially for serious criminal charges. The postponement raises questions about the defendant's right to a speedy trial and the overall efficiency of the criminal justice system.