Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin ordered a woman accused of neglecting, abusing, and murdering her 5-year-old daughter to return to court May 5 for a jury trial during a March 26 hearing.
Bernice Byrd, 32, is charged with multiple counts of first- and second-degree child abuse, first- and second-degree murder, neglect of a minor, and reckless endangerment in connection to the death of Zona Byrd that occurred on Oct. 14, 2024, at the 200 block of Aiken Street.
Byrd’s attorney, Phillip Levin, requested a mental competency evaluation for Byrd due to her history of struggles with anxiety and depression. Also submitted a not criminally responsible (NCR) plea.
