A judge has ordered a competency evaluation for a Portland man accused of stabbing his roommate last week.
Noor Ibrahim, 34, made his first appearance in Cumberland County Superior Court on Monday on charges of attempted murder and elevated aggravated assault, attending the hearing via Zoom from the Cumberland County Jail. The judge set his bail at $75,000.
The lawyer representing him for the brief hearing asked for the competency evaluation.
“I am concerned he does not fully understand his rights,” attorney Sarah Branch said.
The prosecutor supported that request.
“We just need to know if he is competent to move forward,” Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Ackerman said.
Police have provided few details about the alleged stabbing at 12 Gilman St. last Friday morning, and an affidavit was not available at the Cumberland County Superior Court on Monday afternoon. A department spokesman said the 51-year-old victim was still in serious condition at the hospital Monday. The judge ordered Ibrahim not to contact the victim, who has not been identified, or a third roommate.
Branch said she did not want to comment on the case because she only represented Ibrahim for this hearing. Defense attorney Peter Cyr was appointed to represent him as the case moves forward.
Ackerman did not respond to an email Monday afternoon asking about the case.
The next court hearing is a status conference on April 21.
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