Attempted Homicide Defendant’s Mental Health Hearing Postponed

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A Baltimore City Circuit Court mental health judge granted an extension in the case of attempted homicide defendant Bernard Hopkins on Dec. 21 as he awaits admittance to the hospital for a competency evaluation.

Judge Gale Rasin informed the court that paperwork to admit Hopkins to the Maryland Department of Health was submitted on Nov. 16, but he has not yet been admitted.

Hopkins, 19, is facing charges of attempted murder, assault, discharging firearms, and additional weapons charges in connection to an incident on Oct. 1. According to the Maryland Judiciary website, his next mental health court hearing is scheduled for May 17, 2023, and, again, on Nov. 22, 2023. 

The defendant previously became eligible for a public defender in October and was assigned defense attorney Jonathan Kerr for representation, the Maryland Judiciary website states.

Defense attorney Sharon Bogins Eberhart stood in for Kerr during Wednesday’s proceedings.