Defendant in N. Decker Shooting to Appear in Mental Health Court Upon Counsel’s Request

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A 2022 non-fatal shooting defendant was set to start trial on July 11, but his defense counsel believes mental health court is best.

Jahi Blackmon appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn on Tuesday to set a date in mental health court.

According to defense attorney Thomas Ross, the plea that the prosecution was preparing to offer is contingent upon a mental health court appearance.

Judge Phinn scheduled the case for July 25 before Judge Gale E. Rasin in mental health court.

According to the Maryland Judiciary website, Blackmon, 22, is charged with illegal possession of a regulated firearm, having a handgun on his person, having a loaded handgun on his person, illegal ammunition possession, and discharging a firearm in connection with a Dec. 17, 2022 incident.

According to charging documents, Blackmon stated to Baltimore Police Department officers that he had attempted to kill himself at his home on 602 N. Decker Street. He stated that the gun was still in his room. Upon searching the room, officers recovered a 9mm handgun.