Homicide Defendant to Remains on Home Detention After Suffering from Stroke

By Alyssia Davis [former] - March 9, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A Baltimore man facing homicide charges had his pretrial status remained the same on March 8 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Charles J. Peters. 

Robert Douglas is charged with first-degree murder, carjacking, second-degree assault, car theft, unauthorized removal of property, reckless endangerment, and two counts of failure to stop at a scene in connection to an incident on March 2, 2021. 

According to court documents, on the day of the incident, officers were called to the 2800 block of Edgecombe Circle for reports of a shooting. On arrival, officers found Mark James suffering from a gunshot wound.

The 52-year-old defendant, who has 27 prior convictions, has been on home detention since March 2021. He recently suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak or walk without assistance, according to his defense attorney Koryn High. 

She also said his speech was impacted by the stroke.

In addition, High added that Douglas previously suffered from substance abuse and mental health issues. The facility where the defendant is located is actively working to get him the therapy and physical therapy he needs.

The defendant was moved to a hospice in January of this year, High said. She claimed if her client’s pretrial release is revoked, he would be unable to get help if in a distressed situation. 

She also stated that she would have the defendant evaluated for competency as requested by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin. 

In a rebuttal, the prosecutor recommended that the defendant be put back in jail in order to know his whereabouts and his health improvements.

In addition, the prosecutor added that upon the defendant getting better, he should be released without any services. 

After listening to counsel, Judge Peters said he would not change the defendant’s pretrial status. However, if the defendant’s health improves, then he will change his decision and revoke the defendant’s status.

Douglas’ next hearing is scheduled for March 16.