Man Accused of Fatally Stabbing Senior in 2016 Now Found Competent

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On Jan. 10, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin found a 24-year-old homicide defendant competent to stand trial, but denied his release from psychiatric care. 

Christopher Straham is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon with intent to injure, armed robbery and attempted armed robbery in connection to the December 2016 death of 73-year-old Andras Horvath.

Though Judge Rasin found Straham competent to stand trial based on a recent report from Clifton T. Perkins Hospital, she ordered that he stay at the hospital due to Straham’s history of not taking his prescribed psychiatric medication. 

Sharon Bogins Eberhart, who stood in for Straham’s attorney Romel Showell at Wednesday’s hearing, told the court that Showell would contact the prosecution so they can find a trial date.