Mental Competency Evaluations Ordered in Two Baltimore Homicide Cases

Judges grant 30-day extensions for mental health assessments of suspects in separate murder cases

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed hands against a stark black background, the harsh flash creating dramatic shadows and textures to convey a sense of the serious, investigative nature of the legal proceedings.Competency evaluations aim to determine if defendants accused of violent crimes are fit to stand trial.Baltimore Today

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin has ordered mental competency evaluations for two suspects charged in separate homicide cases. Deluntae Boyd, 35, is accused of fatally assaulting Robert Horstman in 2024, while Tyrell Branch, 37, is charged with the 2025 shooting death of Tobias Cunningham. The court is seeking further mental health assessments for both men before proceeding with their cases.

Why it matters

These cases highlight the complex legal and medical issues surrounding mental competency in the criminal justice system. Determining a defendant's mental state is crucial in homicide cases, as it can impact whether they are found fit to stand trial or require specialized treatment. The delays in these evaluations also raise questions about the availability of mental health resources and the pace of the judicial process.

The details

In the Boyd case, Judge Rasin signed an order for a 30-day extension of Deluntae Boyd's mental competency evaluation after concerns were raised about his intellectual impairment and mental illnesses. Boyd is accused of fatally assaulting Robert Horstman at a Baltimore fast food restaurant in 2024. Video footage showed Boyd allegedly snatching Horstman's food, leading to a confrontation where Boyd reportedly punched and stomped on Horstman's head. Horstman later died from his injuries. In the Branch case, Judge Rasin also granted a 30-day extension for a new mental competency evaluation of Tyrell Branch, who is charged with the 2025 fatal shooting of Tobias Cunningham. Branch initially refused to participate in the court-ordered evaluation, prompting doctors to recommend he be referred to the Maryland Department of Health for further assessment and possible hospitalization. The judge says Branch could wait up to eight months for the new evaluation.

  • On April 17, 2024, Deluntae Boyd allegedly assaulted Robert Horstman at a Baltimore Checkers restaurant, leading to Horstman's death.
  • On May 25, 2025, Tyrell Branch is accused of fatally shooting Tobias Cunningham in Baltimore.
  • On March 2, 2023, Judge Rasin initially ordered a competency evaluation for Tyrell Branch, but he refused to participate.
  • On April 8, 2026, Judge Rasin granted 30-day extensions for mental competency evaluations in both the Boyd and Branch cases.

The players

Deluntae Boyd

A 35-year-old man charged with the 2024 murder of Robert Horstman in Baltimore. Boyd has been previously diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Robert Horstman

The victim in the 2024 fatal assault by Deluntae Boyd at a Baltimore Checkers restaurant.

Tyrell Branch

A 37-year-old man charged with the 2025 fatal shooting of Tobias Cunningham in Baltimore.

Tobias Cunningham

The victim in the 2025 fatal shooting by Tyrell Branch in Baltimore.

Judge Gale E. Rasin

The Baltimore City Circuit Court judge presiding over the mental competency evaluations in the Boyd and Branch homicide cases.

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What they’re saying

“The report will test Boyd for mental illness, as well as cognitive disabilities.”

— Judge Gale E. Rasin, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge

“Branch is currently on a waiting list to be evaluated, which Judge Rasin says could be up to eight months.”

— Judge Gale E. Rasin, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge

What’s next

The court is awaiting the results of the 30-day mental competency evaluations for both Deluntae Boyd and Tyrell Branch before determining the next steps in their respective homicide cases.

The takeaway

These cases highlight the challenges the criminal justice system faces in balancing public safety, due process, and the complex mental health needs of defendants. The delays in the competency evaluations underscore the strain on the mental health system and the need for more resources to ensure timely assessments and appropriate treatment.