Mental Status in Doubt, Homicide Defendant Remains Institutionalized

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Robert Sean Leonard Douglas, a 53-year-old homicide defendant, will remain committed to a mental institution as proceedings continue to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.

Douglass appeared before a Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin on July 23, when the prosecution requested his continued commitment based on a prior finding of incompetency.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and help his lawyer stage a defense.

The charges stem from a March 2, 2021 incident that began as a carjacking and turned deadly. Douglass faces multiple counts, including first-degree murder, carjacking, second-degree assault, unauthorized removal of property and reckless endangerment.

According to prosecutors, Douglas suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak, raising concerns about his ability to assist in his own defense. While defense attorney Koryn High previously requested the case be transferred to mental health court for evaluation, the court emphasized that the burden now lies with the defendant to prove he is unrestorable to competency.

The court is currently reviewing whether Douglass can be placed in an adult care facility if found unrestorable. Until further testing is completed and a final determination is made, Douglass will remain committed.

Douglas’ next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026.