Trial Postponed For Murder Defendant Representing Himself

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Jamal Smith’s murder trial was postponed for medical reasons on Aug. 22 following a request from the prosecution before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland.

Smith, 46, who has chosen to represent himself, requested that the case be tried immediately, citing that he has been incarcerated for three-and-a half years. Smith claimed the delays are the prosecutiion’s fault without elaborating on the specifics.

Smith’s case includes multiple postponements punctuated appearances in mental health court. He has fired two of his previous attorneys, with the most recent being in February.

Smith is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to injure in connection with the death of Robert Parker, 29.

According to charging documents, on Jan. 27, 2022, police received reports of two men arguing on the 1500 block of East 28th Street. The officers who responded to the scene found Parker suffering from stab wounds. Witnesses said the fight between Smith and Parker, who were roommates, turned physical. A blood trail ending in front of a shed on the 2700 block of The Alameda led police to Smith, who was allegedly hiding and bleeding heavily from his hands.

A trial for Smith’s case has not been scheduled, but may start in December.