Defense Counsel Requests Competency Review For Murder Defendant

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin ordered an initial competency review for a murder defendant as requested by his defense counsel on Nov 9.

During a mental health court hearing, attorney Nicholas Madiou said that he had represented defendant Anthony Burris for six years, and his competency has varied throughout that time.

The hearing was called in order to determine if the court could proceed with a second retrial in the case against Burris, who faces charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in a felony violent crime.

According to WBLA TV, Burris was arrested in connection to the murder of 31-year-old Earl Burton on the 1100 block of Laurens Street.

Madiou reported that since his client’s discharge from the hospital in December 2021, his health has declined in jail. He said he has significant concerns about his client’s understanding of the court proceedings as well as his role in them.

Judge Rasin approved the initial competency review and ordered both parties to return to mental health court on Nov. 30 to review the health report.