Delayed Competency Eval Postpones Accused Murderer’s Mental Health Court Hearing

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A Baltimore City Circuit Court judge postponed a murder defendant’s mental health court hearing on April 19 as counsel awaits the results from a competency evaluation.

Gordon Staron is charged with first-degree murder and the use of a deadly weapon with the intent to injure in connection to an incident on Sept. 6, 2022.

During Wednesday’s hearing, defense attorney Sharon Bogins Eberhart waived her client’s right to appear as the prosecution said a January competency evaluation had not been completed.

Judge Gale Rasin postponed the hearing to May 17 after granting a second extension.

Staron is accused of fatally stabbing 63-year-old Keith Bell on the 1400 block of E. Monument Street in 2022. Bell was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.