Judge Orders Competency Evaluation After Defendant Attempts Suicide Again

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Following a second suicide attempt while incarcerated, attempted murder defendant Armonie Casimir, 23, is expected to return to court May 14 for a mental competency evaluation date before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin.

Casimir is charged with multiple counts of attempted first- and second-degree murder and assault, firearm use in a violent crime, and related firearm violations in connection to an Aug. 11, 2024 shooting that occurred in the 200 block of W. Saratoga Street.

Baltimore Witness previously reported that Casimir allegedly began hearing voices and had difficulty responding to simple questions.

At earlier hearings, Casimir allegedly appeared responsive and mentally competent. However, in recent proceedings, Casimir has struggled to follow conversations and appeared confused when communicating with his attorney, Janet Anderson.

Casimir’s antidepressant and psychotropic medication dosages were increased following his first suicide attempt — a factor Anderson said could have contributed to her client’s recent confusion.

Judge Rasin ultimately granted Casimir a competency evaluation under a good cause order.