Attempted Murder Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial

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On April 3, Jesse Freels appeared in mental health court before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin.

Freels, 23, is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, reckless endangerment, two counts of firearm possession with a felony conviction, having a handgun on his person, having a gun within 100 yards of the public, illegal possession of ammunition and firing a gun in Baltimore City in relation to a Jan. 24, 2023, incident.

After reviewing reports and tests from Clifton T. Perkins Hospital, a maximum security psychiatric facility, Judge Rasin ruled Freels is now competent to stand trial in that he understands the charges and is able take part in his own defense.

According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of North Eutaw Street for a call reporting a shooting. Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) surveillance footage showed a suspect firing several rounds at a victim before fleeing and getting on a bus. Freels was later spotted allegedly in the same clothing as the shooter and was arrested.

Defense attorney Karyn Meriwether and the prosecution will now need to find a trial date.

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