A Baton Rouge magistrate on Wednesday denied bond for the man accused of ramming his truck into a policeman’s motorcycle, critically injuring the officer Monday.
Nicole Robinson, a 19th Judicial District Court Commissioner, also appointed a sanity commission to examine Gad Ezekiel Black’s fitness to stand trial during Wednesday's hearing.
It was the second time in less than 24 hours that Black, 41, appeared before Robinson via a remote feed from the East Baton Rouge Parish jail. And he was much more subdued Wednesday than he was on his first go-round.
Black had a profanity-laced outburst Tuesday that cut short his initial bond hearing. Baton Rouge defense attorney Dale Glover, who’d represented Black in past cases, stood in during the hearing Wednesday and encouraged Black to maintain his composure while his family and lawyers handle his case.
“What’s important is I need for you to try your best to stay as calm as possible," Glover said. "Just know that we’re working on it for you. We’re on your case. But I need you to relax.”
"Copy that," Black responded and he remained unruffled throughout the proceeding.
Black was diagnosed with mental illness and committed to a mental institution in the past, prosecutors noted Wednesday in asking for the mental health evaluation.
Robinson appointed Baton Rouge clinical psychologist Brandon Romano and New Orleans psychiatrist Sara Deland to evaluate Black.
The commissioner ordered him to return to court Sept. 3 to appear before District Judge Eboni Johnson Rose for a bond review.
It was a stark turnaround from Tuesday’s hearing, which ended with guards from the parish prison dragging a visibly frustrated Black out of the jail’s makeshift court area after he refused to answer the commissioner’s questions.
When Robinson asked Black to state his name and date of birth for the record, he said, “I’m a tribal nation. And I stand deep in this corporation. Understand that.”
He reiterated that mantra when she asked his name a second time, then could be seen on the live feed from the jail shouting and ranting. Robinson appointed the public defender’s office to represent Black then ended the hearing abruptly Tuesday due to him being uncooperative.
She ordered him to return for his initial court appearance Wednesday. Glover, the attorney, spoke on Black’s behalf Wednesday and advised Black to answer Commissioner Robinson’s questions without interrupting her. The man’s mother also sat in the courtroom. He noted that Black had not been taking medication for his mental illness recently.
Glover did not formally enroll as Black’s attorney. Robinson ordered the PD’s office to continue representing him until he hires an attorney of his choosing.
Robinson said Black’s past criminal record, along with the facts of the current case and his mental health concerns factored into her decision to deny him bond Wednesday. The erratic behavior he exhibited at Tuesday’s hearing also played a role.
Black's 40-year-old girlfriend, Asia Raby, was also arrested following the alleged attack Monday and booked on counts of obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact to attempted first-degree murder of a police officer.
During her initial court appearance Tuesday, Commissioner Robinson set Raby’s bond at $15,000 and ordered her to wear a GPS ankle monitor and undergo random drug testing if she’s released. Raby told the commissioner she planned to hire Glover as her attorney.
Black’s family issued a statement to Sgt. Eisworth on Wednesday, extending their “deepest and most heartfelt apologies” to the officer and his loved ones for the injuries he suffered in Monday’s collision.
“Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, and we are praying for your complete and swift recovery,” Black’s family stated. “We recognize the gravity of what occurred, and we hope that — with time and healing — you may find it in your heart to forgive Gad. We are also profoundly grateful for your service and sacrifice.”
The suspect’s family also asked for privacy as they work to get Black “medical and legal support.”
“What happened on Monday morning does not reflect the person we know and love. Gad is in a serious mental health crisis, and we are committed to ensuring he receives the treatment and care that he urgently needs from the best mental health professionals,” the statement read. “This is a deeply painful time for everyone involved. We respectfully ask for your compassion, patience, and understanding. Please keep Sgt. Caleb Eisworth, Asia Raby, and Gad Black in your thoughts and prayers as we all seek healing and clarity.”
