Suspected cannibal may never face judge

JESSUP Md. (WMAR) - A former Morgan State student who told investigators he killed a man and ate his heart and brains may never stand trial.

Alexander Kinyua faces first degree murder charges. He garnered the attention of law enforcement officials after his brother reportedly found human remains in the family’s home.

Kinyua is suspected of killing his roommate, 37-year-old Kujoe Bonsafo Agyei-Kodie. Agyei-Kodie was reported missing after he left home to go for a run and never returned. Investigators say parts of his body were found in the home on Terrapin Terrace in Joppatowne and in a nearby dumpster.

In a recent letter to attorneys, Judge Stephen Waldron stated Clifton T. Perkins Hospital, where Kinyua is currently held, ruled Kinyua was not competent to stand trial. The judge suggested that unless there was evidence to dispute the finding by the hospital, the case would be postponed.

Attorneys for both sides of the case have reportedly agreed, and Kinyua is not expected to face a judge unless enough progress is made in his treatment that the hospital changes its stance on his evaluation.

Harford County State’s Attorney Joseph Cassilly says this is different from whether or not Kinyua was mentally competent at the time of the crime that is something that would have to be determined later.

Right now though they'll have to wait and depending on what doctors find that wait could be long.

"The hospital will file reports with the court to update the court if there is any change in status or not the state law was changed that after five years being in the hospital some decision has to be made to proceed under civil commitment." Cassilly says.

For now, Kinyua will remain in custody and will undergo continued evaluation from state psychiatrists.