Medical Evaluation Request Delays Start of Homicide Defendant's Trial

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The trial for a 26-year-old Baltimore man charged in connection to a double homicide did not commence as scheduled due to a request for further medical evaluation.

During a mental health court hearing on Oct. 5 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin a new hearing date was set due to a request made by the circuit court medics for further evaluation of the defendant by the Maryland Department of Health.

Dandre Woods-Bethel is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, five counts of firearm use during a felony violent crime, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and having a handgun on his person in connection with an incident on Sept. 12, 2020.

In April, Woods-Bethel rejected a plea offer of two life sentences for two counts of first-degree murder sent to run concurrently. Bethel’s attorney also filed a not criminally responsible plea.

According to CBS Baltimore, officers responded to the 2800 block of Clifton Park Terrace around 6:36 p.m. to investigate a ShotSpotter alert. When they arrived, they located two women, Julie Rice, 46, and Michelle Green, 23, suffering from gunshot wounds. Police later learned that Bethel was inside the home.

The victims were taken to an area hospital, where they died from their injuries. Investigators said they believe both victims were outside when the suspect exited his home, shot the victims, and then went back inside to call 911.

Woods-Bethel was scheduled to start trial on Oct. 17, but Judge Rasin ordered a bed check in two weeks for the defendant, with no expectations that he would be admitted into a hospital.

Medical Evaluation Request Delays Start of Homicide Defendant’s Trial