Defense Requests Additional Mental Health Evaluation for Murder Defendant Despite Proven Competency

By Ashley Brown [former] - November 8, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Notwithstanding prior testing deeming a murder defendant competent, his defense attorney requested an additional mental health screening on Nov. 7.

Major Kinchen, 32, is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm during a violent felony, and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction in connection to the shooting of his girlfriend, 30-year-old Breonna Rogers on Jan. 19, 2021.

Roger’s body was found on Swann Drive in Druid Hill Park.

During Monday’s reception court hearing, Kinchen’s defense attorney Matthew Connell informed parties that he intends to conduct another mental health evaluation on his client. He said he expected the results to be overturned by the end of the month.

According to a press release from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, officers from the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) were allegedly notified of a “suspicious death” and reported to the scene, where they found Rogers wrapped in a blanket and suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck.

The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office also alleged that detectives spotted suspected blood outside of the lobby of the apartment complex and found Kinchen inside the apartment carrying a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

In addition, video footage from various locations reveals Kinchen exiting the apartment with the victim in his car before she died and returning without her.

On Monday’s proceeding, the prosecution delivered a plea offer, proposing a life sentence suspending all but 60 years for Kinchen’s conduct. 

Connell declined this offer.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn scheduled the defendant’s trial for May 4, 2023. They anticipate the trial will last four days.