Client Mistreated at Detention Center, Defense Says

By Alyssia Davis [former] - June 2, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A 62-year-old Baltimore man accused of murder was found competent to stand trial on June 1 after his defense attorney argued of his client’s mistreatment at the Baltimore detention center.

Manzie Smith is charged with first-degree murder, use of deadly weapon with intent to conceal, use of deadly weapon with intent to injure, robbery, and theft less than $1,000 in connection to an incident on Nov. 16, 2021. 

Smith was found competent to stand trial on Wednesday before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin.

Smith’s defense attorney, Leslie Stein, requested that his client stay in a hospital because he said the detention center treated Smith like an animal, providing him with no clothes, food, or medication.

He was being punished for the nature of his charges, Stein told the court.

In addition, Stein filed a plea for his client, citing he was not criminally responsible (NCR) for the crime.

The prosecutor argued that the defendant was not being treated for mental illness, but he could have a mild cognitive disorder. She explained that she doesn’t want the defendant taking up hospital beds. 

After listening to counsel, Judge Rasin signed the order for an NCR evaluation that will be completed on an out-patient basis; however, she declined to send the defendant to a hospital. 

Judge Rasin noted that although the defense’s argument pertaining to the detention center is understandable, she has no power over the facility.

His original status of no bail pending his trial was also reinstated. 

According to a news release, on Nov. 16, 2021, officers were called to the 1700 block of N. Chester Street at approximately 7:20 a.m. for reports of shots fired and found 69-year-old Evelyn Player with a gunshot wound.

Smith’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10, according to the Maryland Judiciary website.