Charges against Howard man involved in man's death dropped

All charges have been dropped against an 88-year-old Howard County man who was involved in an altercation that prosecutors say led to the death of a fellow assisted-living facility resident.

Circuit Judge Louis Becker III ruled Thursday that Earl Wilder, who suffers from dementia, is not competent to stand trial.

Wilder's attorney argued that her client is unable to assist in his own defense. After a state forensic psychiatrist's examination, Assistant State's Attorney Danielle Duclaux agreed, saying that Wilder is “not restorable.”

Wilder was charged with manslaughter and first- and second-degree assault in the death of 91-year-old James W. Brown. Wilder, a former amateur boxer, left his wheelchair and attacked Brown with his fists as Brown sat on a bench outside Harmony Hall in Columbia.

Brown died five days later.

-- Associated Press