Ann Arbor man deemed competent to stand trial on unlawful imprisonment, assault charges
An Ann Arbor man accused of cutting a roommate with a knife while a teenager was bound in the basement last summer was deemed fit for trial by a psychiatrist, court records show.
Jerome Jopila Powell, 33, was found competent enough to understand the criminal charges against him, and to assist in his own defense following months of testing at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in York Township.
Jerome Powell
He will face charges of unlawful imprisonment, attempted murder, assault, car theft, and domestic violence at a preliminary hearing on May 26.
Police arrested Powell in the Toledo area last September, about two weeks after they say he slashed a 40-year-old man’s face with a knife inside the home they shared in the 600 block of West Summit Street. Officers found a 17-year-old boy in the basement with his hands and legs bound when they arrived, reports said.
The teen was not injured, and Powell’s roommate recovered from his injuries.
Powell remains in custody on $250,000 bond.
Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
Davidian
Wed, May 26, 2010 : 1:10 p.m.
I've known Jerome personally since 9th grade and he has a long history of mental illness. He was cool and very different--a black headbanger that was larger than life. He turned me on to new styles of music. He was very unique. But even then he was very disturbed and in need of mental help. At first I thought his craziness was funny and cool, but later on I realized that he was for real and was pretty dangerous. I do know that he has gone through every treatment imaginable and still can't control his demons. I hate to say it, but he probably does not belong in our society. I don't think he has any desire to "get better." He's lucky he isn't dead to be frank.
15crown00
Wed, May 26, 2010 : 12:14 a.m.
Next stop Huron Valley.
Rasputin
Tue, May 25, 2010 : 7:52 a.m.
Hey, I live 2 blocks away with my 3 year old and neighbors wjho also have small children. Luck us! Just one question, why weren't we warned that this monster was in our neighborhood? Why are these 'landlord' allowed to rent to just anyone? Why do they seem to specialize in the infirm? Another resident (of the same building) walks around half naked mumbling to himself at Belize park! Thanks!
M.
Sat, May 22, 2010 : 9:10 a.m.
Is there a link to the related article from when this happened?