Teen Charged in West Baltimore Murder Faces May Trial Date

Hykeem Desean Cummings, 20, accused of fatally shooting 15-year-old Rashid Maxwell Jr. during a robbery in 2023

Feb. 24, 2026 at 10:34pm

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Hykeem Desean Cummings, 20, is set to receive a trial date in May for the September 2023 robbery and fatal shooting of 15-year-old Rashid Maxwell Jr. in West Baltimore. Prosecutors say the case involves a violent confrontation, a minor accomplice, and the targeted theft of a firearm.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence, gun crimes, and the challenges of prosecuting minors as accomplices in serious offenses in Baltimore, a city that has struggled with high rates of violent crime in recent years.

The details

On Sept. 25, 2023, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers responded to a report of violence on the 1300 block of Gilmor Street, where Cummings and an unnamed minor reportedly targeted Maxwell in a coordinated armed robbery. The assailants allegedly confronted the teenager to steal a book bag containing a rifle. During the encounter, Maxwell was assaulted and fatally shot. Investigators bolstered their case by recovering CCTV surveillance footage from the area, which captured the movements of the suspects during the incident. Multiple eyewitnesses also provided testimony to Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers, identifying Cummings as the individual allegedly responsible for the killing.

  • On September 25, 2023, the incident occurred.
  • Cummings will remain in custody until his pre-trial conference on May 15, 2026.

The players

Hykeem Desean Cummings

A 20-year-old man charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy, and three gun violations, including possession of a firearm as a minor, in the September 2023 killing of 15-year-old Rashid Maxwell Jr. in West Baltimore.

Rashid Maxwell Jr.

A 15-year-old victim who was fatally shot during an alleged armed robbery in West Baltimore in September 2023.

Baltimore Police Department (BPD)

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and gathered evidence, including CCTV footage and eyewitness testimony, to build the case against Cummings.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those who commit violent crimes accountable, especially when young lives are lost.”

— Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore City State's Attorney

What’s next

Cummings will remain in custody until his pre-trial conference on May 15, 2026, during which counsel is set to resolve outstanding matters and set a date for trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges Baltimore faces in addressing youth violence and gun crimes, and the importance of thorough investigations and strong prosecution to seek justice for victims and their families.