Rick Dean
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Man accused in killing of girl, 8, called competent to stand trial
By Jennifer McMenamin
Sun Staff
Originally published June 23, 2004
A supervising doctor from the state's forensic psychiatric hospital testified yesterday that a Baltimore man not only is competent to stand trial in the killing of his girlfriend's 8-year-old daughter but also is so aware of the legal proceedings that he "dramatizes his actions" in the courtroom to influence the judge who will decide w
ether the case goes forward.
Dr. Saadia Alizai, director of admissions at the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center and supervisor of the forensic psychiatry fellowship program, told a Baltimore County
judge that Jamaal Abeokuto's actions in court - clutching his h
ead, kneading his forehead and gazing down with what the defense team's psychologist described in testimony Monday as "vacant" eyes - appear to be an act.
She said the mannerisms are an extension of the embellishments and "malingering."
"I do believe his behavior in court is further malingering," Alizai testified on the second day of a hearing to determine whether Abeokuto understands the nature of the proceedings and can assist in his defense.
"He dramatizes his actions," she said. "He is trying to make clear to the court that he is suffering and not competent."
The hearing is to resume Aug. 16 when the court psychiatrist who first questioned A
beokuto's competency in April, hours before attorneys in the death penalty case were planning to pick a jury, is expected to be available to testify. Dr. David L. Waltos is recovering from an il
lnes
s.
If Circuit Judge Thomas J. Bollinger Sr. rules that Abeokuto is competent, the trial would begin Aug. 23.
Abeokuto, 24, is charged w
ith killing Marciana Monyai Ringo, whose body was found Dec. 12, 2002, in a wooded area of Harford County.
The case was moved to Baltimore County after Abeokuto sought a change of venue.
Man accused in killing of girl, 8, called competent to stand trial
By Jennifer McMenamin
Sun Staff
Originally published June 23, 2004
A supervising doctor from the state's forensic psychiatric hospital testified yesterday that a Baltimore man not only is competent to stand trial in the killing of his girlfriend's 8-year-old daughter but also is so aware of the legal proceedings that he "dramatizes his actions" in the courtroom to influence the judge who will decide w
ether the case goes forward.
Dr. Saadia Alizai, director of admissions at the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center and supervisor of the forensic psychiatry fellowship program, told a Baltimore County
judge that Jamaal Abeokuto's actions in court - clutching his h
ead, kneading his forehead and gazing down with what the defense team's psychologist described in testimony Monday as "vacant" eyes - appear to be an act.
She said the mannerisms are an extension of the embellishments and "malingering."
"I do believe his behavior in court is further malingering," Alizai testified on the second day of a hearing to determine whether Abeokuto understands the nature of the proceedings and can assist in his defense.
"He dramatizes his actions," she said. "He is trying to make clear to the court that he is suffering and not competent."
The hearing is to resume Aug. 16 when the court psychiatrist who first questioned A
beokuto's competency in April, hours before attorneys in the death penalty case were planning to pick a jury, is expected to be available to testify. Dr. David L. Waltos is recovering from an il
lnes
s.
If Circuit Judge Thomas J. Bollinger Sr. rules that Abeokuto is competent, the trial would begin Aug. 23.
Abeokuto, 24, is charged w
ith killing Marciana Monyai Ringo, whose body was found Dec. 12, 2002, in a wooded area of Harford County.
The case was moved to Baltimore County after Abeokuto sought a change of venue.