Competency evaluation ordered for Baltimore man charged in Potomac killing and shooting at Maryland trooper

Case spans Montgomery County homicide and Baltimore City attempted murder allegation

A judge has ordered a mental competency evaluation for Maurquise Emillo James, 22, of Baltimore, as prosecutors pursue a case that ties the killing of an elderly Potomac resident to a separate shooting during a Maryland State Police traffic stop in Baltimore City.

James is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 87-year-old Robert Fuller Jr., who was found shot inside his apartment at the Cogir of Potomac senior living facility on Feb. 14, 2026. He is also charged with attempted first-degree murder, felony assault, and using a firearm in a crime of violence in connection with a Feb. 24, 2026 traffic stop where police say a trooper was shot at at close range near the intersection of Belle Avenue and Milford Avenue in Baltimore.

What authorities allege happened

Investigators allege that during the early-morning stop on Feb. 24, the driver of a vehicle pulled over and then fired two rounds toward the trooper before fleeing. Police have said the trooper did not return fire and was taken to a hospital for treatment before being released.

James was arrested the following day, Feb. 25, after law enforcement agencies coordinated across jurisdictions. He has been held without bond while facing proceedings connected to both counties.

Forensic link and search-warrant evidence

Authorities have asserted that forensic testing connected the two investigations. Charging documents cited in court proceedings state that a bullet casing recovered in the Potomac homicide matched the gun used in the Baltimore City shooting involving the trooper.

Prosecutors have also described evidence recovered during searches of residences linked to James in White Marsh and Baltimore City, including items investigators believe are relevant to the identity and movements of the person involved in the Potomac killing. Officials have said the motive remains unclear and has not been publicly established.

• Feb. 14, 2026: Fuller is found fatally shot in his apartment at Cogir of Potomac.
• Feb. 24, 2026: Trooper is shot at during a traffic stop in Baltimore City, police say.
• Feb. 25, 2026: James is arrested and charged in connection with the trooper shooting and the Potomac homicide investigation.
• Feb. 26, 2026: A judge orders a competency evaluation; James remains held without bail.

Court process: competency and case sequencing

The competency evaluation is intended to determine whether James is able to understand the proceedings and assist in his defense. The cases are expected to proceed first in Montgomery County on the homicide charge, followed by the Baltimore City attempted murder case tied to the trooper shooting.

A competency evaluation can affect timelines but does not determine guilt or innocence; it addresses whether the defendant can be tried under constitutional standards.

Victim background

Fuller, a longtime philanthropist with ties to Maine, was known for supporting veterans’ causes, including efforts connected to transitional housing initiatives for women veterans. Investigators have said they are continuing to examine his contacts and circumstances leading up to the killing as they work to establish a motive.

The next court dates are expected to address the competency findings and scheduling in the two jurisdictions.