Judge Postpones Murder Trial for Co-Defendant’s Competency Hearing

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Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer granted a one-day postponement in the jury trial of co-defendants Davon Butler, 19, Charles Bowen, 20, and a third teenager who was 17 at the time of a murder. Judge Schiffer issued the postponement to allow the youngest defendant time to undergo a mental competency evaluation.

To stand trial a person must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges in the case.

Butler faces nine charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of armed robbery and firearm use in a felony or violent crime, as well as related handgun charges.

Bowen faces five charges, including two counts of first-degree murder.

Both were charged in connection to the Feb. 2024 death of Dracell Mitchell that occurred in the 800 block of W. Lexington Street. Baltimore Police Department (BPD) detectives used video surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and social media investigators to identify Butler, Bowen and the third co-defendant as the primary suspects.

The trial is slated to start April. 1.