Man charged in Capital Gazette shooting asks for time to consider insanity plea

The man charged in the death of five people in the Capital Gazette newsroom may be considering a plea of not criminally responsible by reason of insanity, according to court records requesting more time to consider that defense.

Jarrod Ramos’ attorney has filed a motion Monday claiming there is “good cause” to extend the plea deadline. Maryland law requires a defendant enter a plea of not criminally responsible by reason of insanity when the defendant enters his or her official plea. A judge can allow an extension if there is good cause.

Public Defender William Davis wrote there are more than 800 documents to review in seeking the extension. Some materials, like crime scene photographs, he argued, have not been given to the defense yet.

Davis wrote he and Ramos need more time to review the records while considering the plea. Davis emphasized the reference to the plea in his request.

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