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By
Nina Wilson [former]
- July 31, 2024
Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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A man accused of shooting his friend in the knee claimed he was a member of the Jackson Five as well as a recording executive during a hearing to determine his mental competence.
Reginald Benbow, 61, is charged with four counts of firearm possession with a felony conviction, illegal possession of ammunition and firing a gun in Baltimore City in relation to a Feb. 16 shooting.
During mental health court on July 31, before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin, the judge asked what work he did before retirement and Benbow claimed that he was an actor, singer and dancer in Hollywood.
Benbow insisted that he was a part of the legendary singing group and that he owns Capitol Records. When asked his age, he stated that he was 61 and provided the birthday on his driver’s license. As for his age when he was in the Jackson Five in 1964, he stated that he was in his 20s. Benbow then urged the judge to look up how he and the Jackson Five were on the Ed Sullivan show in December 1969.
When asked about his age and birthday a second time, Benbow stated that he had two Social Security numbers because the first one was lost in the 1960s from what he claimed were riots involving desegregation in Hollywood.
In a previous hearing, defense attorney Martin Cohen stated that Benbow was retired from McCormick and Company after working there for 20 years. He’s being held without bail for the alleged shooting.
Although both a social worker and the judge stated that talking to Benbow was a pleasant experience, they agreed that he needs a mental health evaluation because to address what appear to be obvious delusions about his life.
Benbow is scheduled to appear in court before Judge Rasin on Aug. 14.