19-Year-Old Homicide Defendant Granted Extension for Competency Evaluation

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin approved a medical request to further evaluate the mental competency of Brandon Adams, 19, as a precondition to his standing trial on March 5.

Adams, who was represented by stand-in defense attorney Sharon Bogins during the hearing, was indicted for first-degree murder and intent to injure with a dangerous weapon in relation to the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Cortez Lemon.

According to previous reporting, Adams fatally stabbed Lemon allegedly during an altercation on a Maryland Transit bus on the 4200 block of Frankford Avenue on July 10, 2024.

The court and counsel have expressed concerns about Adams’ competency to stand trial due to concerns about his “cognitive issues” and a reported “disconnect” in conversations with police officers and defense counsel. Adams has a history of attending special education classes and has previously received treatment for ADHD and PTSD.

Adams, who will be transferred to a hospital within 10 working days for further evaluation, will return for another mental health observation hearing on April 9.