Murder Defendant Asks for Day in Court, Calling Competency Review a Form of 'Slavery'

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A Baltimore man was again found incompetent to stand trial in connection with the murder of a gospel radio station host in 2020.

In October of 2021, defendant Richard Green was found incompetent to stand trial in the fatal shooting of 57-year-old Tyra Phillips Womack. According to CBS Baltimore, the host of Gospel Grace programs on WEAA was shot outside her home on the 2400 block of Albion Avenue on June 10, 2020.

In October 2022, Green’s competency was restored.

During a mental health court hearing on Oct. 26, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin told the court that the doctor who initially found Green competent had reversed her decision following a recent meeting with him.

According to Judge Rasin, the doctor found Green to be a danger to others and property. The doctor reported that during an appointment on Oct. 20, Green was “irritable” and “irrational” and was carrying around a disorganized pile of papers that he could not explain how they were related to his case. The doctor said while he may have knowledge of the legal system, he could not logically approach the proceedings ahead.

Green said he had never been diagnosed with a mental illness despite being under the care of the Veterans Administration for many years.

Green questioned the doctor’s report calling the proceedings “just slavery by another name,” as his right to a trial was being taken from him. “You know this is a sham,” protested Green, stating that he would be contacting his congressman’s office following the hearing.

The defendant told the court that he would be seeking a private evaluator.

According to the Maryland Judiciary website, Green’s next hearing is April 26, 2023.

Murder Defendant Asks for Day in Court, Calling Competency Review a Form of ‘Slavery’