Jacques D. Alsup, 58, is set to appear for a new pre-trial conference on Aug. 3, pending the results of a mental competency evaluation.
In reception court on July 2, defense attorney Marci Johnson notified the court and Judge Melissa M. Phinn that the defense had recently filed a not criminally responsible (NCR) evaluation for Alsup. Johnson noted that while she does not believe Alsup to be mentally incompetent in that he can tell right from wrong, she pursued the NCR evaluation in his best interest.
Alsup objected to the evaluation.
Alsup faces two counts each of attempted first- and second-degree murder, as well as single counts of first- and second-degree arson in connection to a fire that broke out on Jan. 8 on the 400 block of N. Luzerne Avenue.
Investigators determined the fire originated from multiple points in the residence, including the living room, kitchen, second-floor hallway and a portable closet.
In the kitchen, officers noticed that the stove had been left on, allowing gas to escape. A resident told investigators they allegedly saw Alsup pour unknown liquid onto the stove before igniting it.
Firefighters rescued Alsup from an upstairs room and transported him to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he regained consciousness and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Investigators estimate that the fire caused approximately $35,000 in structural and property damage.
Two other people were reportedly in the house but they were uninjured.
Alsup remains held pending a trial date, with his next appearance scheduled for Aug. 3. Further information regarding his NCR evaluation is set to be disclosed then.
