Over 100 jurors filled room 203 at the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse Monday, where trial began for a teen accused of murder for gunning down Timothy Reynolds — who confronted the teens with a bat — in downtown Baltimore, last summer. We are not identifying the teen because he is a minor.
Below are three highlights that happened during the long-awaited day:
Protestors
The day began with a group of protestors chanting across the street from the courthouse. The group who call themselves the Peoples Power Assembly, (PPA) passed out flyers, held up signs and shouted over a loudspeaker in support of the teen. "We feel it's in the wrong court," said Rev. Annie Chambers, from PPA. "He should be tried in juvenile court."
Postponement
It’s been a little over a year since the incident, but that didn’t stop Assistant States Attorney, Cynthia Banks, from pushing for postponement (because of an evidentiary mishap). Judge Jennifer Schiffer decided against postponing the case.
Speaking outside the courthouse, J. Wyndal Gordon, defense attorney, told reporters that he was “elated” when the judge decided against the delay. “If it gotten postponed today, then we will be waiting until 2024 to go to trial and this doesn't require that,” he said.
The Reynolds family was also in court briefly during motions. “Today moved us one step closer toward justice,” said family attorney, Thiru Vignarajah. “The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and is hopeful that once the facts are shown and heard, justice will be done.”
Jury selection
12 jurors and four alternates were chosen at the 11th hour. During selection, Judge Schiffer asked if any jurors had strong feelings or experiences — whether positive or negative — with squeegee workers. Of the 107 jurors present, 70 stood up.
The incident fueled the city’s long debate regarding squeegee workers — teens looking to make a quick buck by providing a service or criminals who extort and damage property? The shooting also sparked political action with the city eventually enacting a “squeegee ban.”
Of the 16 jurors, 11 are female and five are male. The jury is also majority Black. The trial is expected to conclude on July 25, with opening statements set for Tuesday.
