Double Shooting Trial Postponed Due to Ill Prosecutor

Co-defendants Gregory Granger Jr. and Ritchie Hicks face murder charges for 2024 incident.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:40pm

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An extreme close-up of a single spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the gritty aftermath of a shooting incident.A recent wave of gun violence in Baltimore has strained the criminal justice system, exposing the fragility of the process when key personnel become unavailable.Baltimore Today

The joint trial for Gregory Granger Jr. and Ritchie Hicks, who each face charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder for a 2024 shooting in Baltimore, has been postponed after the state prosecutor fell ill. The case was transferred to a new judge, who granted the postponement request despite the defendants' speedy trial deadlines having already passed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges that can arise when key personnel in the criminal justice system become unavailable, potentially delaying justice for victims and their families. It also raises questions about how courts balance defendants' rights with the practical realities of prosecuting complex cases.

The details

Granger and Hicks were connected to the December 2024 shooting on W. Baltimore Street that left one person dead and another injured, based on surveillance footage and witness identifications. The state offered both defendants a plea deal of life in prison with all but 50 years suspended, plus five years of probation, but their attorneys rejected the offers.

  • The shooting incident occurred on December 16, 2024.
  • The defendants appeared before Judge Jeffrey M. Geller on April 6, 2026.
  • The case was transferred to Judge Melissa K. Copeland in reception court on April 6, 2026.
  • The trial is now set to resume on August 24, 2026, with five days allotted.

The players

Gregory Granger Jr.

A 42-year-old co-defendant facing charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and assault for the 2024 shooting incident.

Ritchie Hicks

A 32-year-old co-defendant facing the same charges as Granger for the 2024 shooting incident.

Judge Jeffrey M. Geller

The judge who presided over the initial hearing on April 6, 2026.

Judge Melissa K. Copeland

The judge who granted the postponement request in reception court on April 6, 2026.

Ricky Forehand

A 44-year-old man who was killed in the December 2024 shooting incident.

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What they’re saying

“We were aware of the prosecution's medical leave. As proceedings had already passed the defendants' speedy trial deadlines, neither of us opposed the postponement.”

— Natalie Finegar, Attorney for defendant Ritchie Hicks

“We were aware of the prosecution's medical leave. As proceedings had already passed the defendants' speedy trial deadlines, neither of us opposed the postponement.”

— Staci Pipkin, Attorney for defendant Gregory Granger Jr.

What’s next

The trial is now scheduled to resume on August 24, 2026, with five days allotted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges that can arise when key personnel in the criminal justice system become unavailable, potentially delaying justice for victims and their families. It also raises questions about how courts balance defendants' rights with the practical realities of prosecuting complex cases.