Jury selection in the murder trial of Rayquan Borum has been suspended until Monday, to allow time for an evaluation of his mental state. Borum's lawyer asked for the examination after he appeared drowsy and inattentive Thursday morning.
Borum is charged with fatally shooting Justin Carr during a 2016 protest in uptown Charlotte after the police killing of Keith Scott.
The court heard briefly from the lawyer and health providers at Mecklenburg County Jail, where Borum is being held. They said he has been taking an antidepressant medication that may be the cause if his drowsiness. They agreed to shift his nightly dose earlier, so it won't affect him during morning court sessions.
[Related Content: Jury Selection Is Underway In Borum Trial]
The mental evaluation is scheduled for Friday morning at 8:30. Judge Gregory Hayes called a hearing for Friday morning at 9:30, or whenever results are available.
Borum's lawyers declined to comment on what they hope will come of the evaluation. No jurors have been selected yet in the case, which is expected to last several weeks.