ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A judge has ruled that prosecutors can review records relating to the behavior and mental health of a man accused of killing five people at a Maryland newspaper since he has been incarcerated.
Judge Laura Ripken made the ruling Wednesday.
Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Leitess argued psychiatric attention Jarrod Ramos received is "highly relevant," because Ramos has pleaded not criminally responsible by reason of insanity.
But William Davis, Ramos' lawyer, contended the information is privileged and wouldn't be relevant until a second phase of the trial, if a jury finds Ramos guilty in November.
Ripken ruled the privilege doesn't apply in the case of an insanity plea. She also decided prosecutors can see records of visits received by Jarrod Ramos in a detention center, though names will be redacted.
