Judge Sets November Trial Date After Murder Defendant Found Competent

By Shayna Sefret [former] - June 26, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A 21-year old Baltimore man will go on trial for murder in early November after he was ruled competent on June 23.

Rakim Muhammad, 21, was previously deemed incompetent and his attorney, Donald Wright, had planned to proceed with an NCR (not criminally responsible) plea for his client. But after Muhammed was ruled competent last week, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Copeland moved to set a trial date on June 26.

Wright requested a date in November because he had not had the chance to speak with his client since the competency hearing and wanted the competency ruling reviewed. He also asked for time to prepare with Muhammad.

The defense attorney rejected the plea offer of life, suspending all but 50 years, with five years of probation on behalf of his client at this time. 

Counsel and Judge Copeland agreed on a four-day trial beginning on Nov. 13. A judge has not yet been assigned to preside.

Muhammad is accused of shooting 33-year-old Earnest Jackson on the 3200 block of Fenwick Avenue. Jackson later died at a hospital.

Muhammed  is charged with first-degree murder, the use of a firearm in a felony violent crime, having a handgun on his person, and the possession of a firearm as a minor.