Murder Defendant’s Case Sent Back to Mental Health Court Pending Competency Review

By Inacent McKeithan [former] , Neoline James [former] - February 1, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

Despite a pending competency evaluation, a defendant’s case appeared on the reception court docket before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn on Jan. 31.

Defendant Jamal Smith appeared in front of Judge Phinn and was offered a plea of 40 years, suspending all but 25 years with five years probation for second-degree murder. The plea was not accepted or rejected by the defendant because Judge Phinn sent the case to be reviewed in mental health court. 

Smith, 43, is scheduled to appear before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin on March 1. 

Smith is charged with first-degree murder and intent to injure with a deadly weapon in connection with the fatal stabbing of Robert Parker on the 1500 block of E. 28th Street on Jan. 27, 2022. 

In a prior mental health court appearance on June 29, 2022, before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin, he was deemed competent to stand trial.