Jarrod Ramos, the man charged in the mass shooting at the Annapolis Capital newspaper, was expected to make his first appearance in court Monday. But his appearance was canceled after his lawyer filed papers on his behalf.
Ramos was scheduled to appear before Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge William Mulford, who, under normal circumstances, would read Ramos his rights, explain the charges against him and the maximum penalty for each count and tell him of his need for a lawyer.
But shortly before the hearing was to begin, William Davis, Anne Arundel County’s head public defender, filed papers formally entering his appearance as Ramos’ lawyer, requesting discovery of evidence against Ramos and a speedy trial. That meant Ramos didn’t have to come to court.
Ramos, 38, has been indicted on 23 counts for the June 28 attack on the newspaper that resulted in the deaths of five people; Rob Hiaasen, an editor, Wendi Winters, a community columnist, John McNamara, a sportswriter, Gerald Fischman, the editorial page editor, and Rebecca Smith, an advertising assistant. He is being held without bail.
Ramos’ lawyers and prosecutors are to hold a conference within the next 30 days. It is unclear when a trial will be scheduled.