Competency Questions Raised for Defendant in 2022 Waterview Avenue Non-Fatal Shooting

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

During mental health court, the defense raised competency concerns before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin as she set a trial date for a defendant charged in a January 2022 traffic-related shooting.

Marlon Latwan Veney, 30, is charged with possessing a rifle with a felony conviction, reckless endangerment, discharging firearms, illegal possession of ammunition, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and two traffic violations.

Defense attorney Karyn Meriwether spoke on Veney’s behalf, asking Judge Rasin if he had been found competent to stand trial. Judge Rasin replied that she had found him competent back in February, despite Meriwether’s concerns that the defendant was still not able to participate in his defense.

The court had not received any recent reports as to Veney’s competency nor had they been filed.

According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, on Jan. 15, 2022, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers arrived at the intersection of Waterview Avenue and Annapolis Road in response to a road-rage incident and collision.

Veney allegedly hit another vehicle with his own, then exited the car and fired into oncoming traffic. Upon the officers’ arrival, Veney and the passengers of the second car were taken to the hospital, with Veney reportedly suffering from a gunshot wound.

The vehicle he was driving belonged to his mother, who stated Veney wasn’t allowed to drive it.

Veney was identified as a suspect when two shotguns were allegedly found in his vehicle as well as shell casings in his clothing.

Veney’s next hearing is set for Jan. 22, 2024.