A Baltimore judge pushed ahead with jury selection Friday in the case of an 18-year-old accused of shooting another teen last April, brushing aside a scheduling dust-up that briefly threatened to knock the trial off track. The decision tees up a pivotal week in court, with the defendant caught between a possible plea deal and the prospect of facing a full jury.
Judge moves forward as plea hangs in the balance
Judge Yolanda A. Tanner opened the docket and, after a brief tug-of-war over scheduling in reception court, opted to start picking a jury instead of postponing the case. Defense counsel told the court that their client, Kyree Brannon, planned to enter a guilty plea on Monday, contingent on a weekend conversation with the victim. Prosecutors said they would keep the plea offer open through Monday to allow that to happen.
With that narrow window, there was little room left for delay, and the case rolled straight into jury selection, according to Baltimore Witness.
Teen shooting, adult-time charges
The shooting took place on April 27, 2025, on the 5800 block of Northwood Drive and left the victim with gunshot wounds to his upper left arm and his back. Brannon was 17 at the time, according to Baltimore Witness. Police arrested him on April 30.
He is now charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and four firearm violations.
How the charges stack up
The counts carry serious potential penalties under Maryland law. First-degree assault alone can bring a sentence of up to 25 years, according to Scheuerman Law. Reckless endangerment is a misdemeanor, but it can still result in as many as five years of incarceration, per MD Criminal Law.
Maryland treats attempt as an inchoate offense that requires proof of intent and a substantial step toward committing the crime, a concept outlined by the state’s appellate courts in cases such as Lane v. State.
What comes next in court
With jurors being questioned this week, the next few days will determine whether Brannon follows through with the anticipated guilty plea or instead goes to trial. The case could wrap relatively quickly either way, depending on whether the defense and prosecution cement a deal before the voir dire process concludes.
