Questions still linger over the competency of a Roanoke Rapids man charged federally in crimes committed in Northampton County, the attorney representing Michael Christopher Harris said in a motion seeking more time before a hearing is held to determine if he is capable of going through with the proceedings. 

G. Alan DuBois, the public defender representing Harris said in the motion, which was approved by the court, he “continues to have concern regarding Mr. Harris’ competency, and needs to consult with additional experts to determine the extent of damage caused to Mr. Harris’ brain when he sustained a gunshot wound to his head on April 3, 2019.”

DuBois requested an additional 90 days to allow time to prepare for the competency hearing, now scheduled before United States Magistrate Judge Robert B. Jones Jr. in Wilmington on August 4.

A sealed psychiatric report was filed with the court in November but other than the public defender’s concern that more study is needed, there is nothing contained in the case file that speaks to the results of the evaluation which was conducted at the Federal Detention Center in Miami.

Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts in November.

In count 1 the grand jury charged he possessed ammunition while previously being convicted of a crime.

In count 2 the grand jury charged he possessed a firearm and ammo knowing he was a convicted felon.

The federal indictment warrants were issued on November 5 and stem from two separate shooting investigations that took place in Northampton County on November 21 of 2018 and April 3 of 2019.