Trial Date Postponed Pending Mental Health Evaluation

By Breeze Cofield [former] - January 31, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

In a reception court hearing on Jan. 30 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland, defense attorney Benjamin Charlton requested a postponement for the trial of 44-year-old Jamal Smith, due to a pending mental health evaluation. 

Smith is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to injure in reference to the fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Robert Parker.

The prosecuting attorney did not object to the request stating, “It is in the best interest of the client and the system that a mental health evaluation be conducted.” 

Smith objected to the postponement, saying,  “This is not an issue of non-competence. This is an issue of unpreparedness. He don’t even know the facts of my case. I been locked up for two years, I’m ready”.

Judge Copeland agreed to a postponement due to past issues related to the defendant’s mental health. 

Smith will appear before Judge Gale E. Rasin on Jan. 31 to discuss his mental health evaluation. Judge Copeland scheduled a tentative trial date of April 24 in the event Smith is found competent. 

According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, Smith allegedly stabbed Parker on the 1500 block of East 28th Street on Jan. 27, 2022. Baltimore Police Department officers discovered Parker suffering from apparent stab wounds. Witnesses at the scene told police that Parker and Smith were roommates and had allegedly been heard arguing.