Homicide Defendant Lives in Assisted Living Facility Due to his Inability to Speak

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A Baltimore man accused of homicide was placed in an assisted living facility due to his medical condition on April 5 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn

Robert Sean Leonard Douglass ,52, is charged with first-degree murder, carjacking, second-degree assault, car theft, unauthorized removal of property, reckless endangerment, and two counts of failure to stop at a scene in connection to an incident on March 2, 2021. 

During court proceedings on Tuesday, Judge Phinn listened as the defendant’s defense attorney Koryn High informed the court that her client could not speak, noting he suffers from aphasia. She also said that Judge Rasin issued an order extending the timespan for competency to be determined.

In addition, High added that her client is currently living in an assisted living facility due to his medical condition then she noted that he would be transported to a state hospital for furthur evaluation. 

After listening to counsel, Judge Phinn put Douglass’ case on the mental health court docket removing his case from reception court. 

Douglass’ next hearing is April 6.