Judge seeks psych evaluation for man who attempted suicide at courthouse

A judge suspended sentencing Thursday for a man who attempted to jump over the railing at the courthouse after being convicted for kidnapping in August, pending a psychological evaluation.

Jabari Walker, 32, of Cedar Rapids, quit eating, lost 65 pounds and went into a catatonic state while in the Linn County Jail, Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden said. Walker was then transferred to the psychiatric unit at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for treatment and then to the Oakdale Medical and Classification Center in Iowa City, he said.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Nancy Baumgartner said she was going to postpone Walker's sentencing until he receives an evaluation from Oakdale. Walker may have some cognitive damage, and an evaluation is needed to determine his competency.

Vander Sanden said any time there is a legitimate issue with someone's competency, a judge is required to suspend proceedings and order an evaluation.

"This doesn't happen very often that there is a legitimate question over competency," Vander Sanden said.

Vander Sanden said before and during the trial, Walker didn't have any known mental issues.

After the verdict was read in August, Walker was led in handcuffs by deputies out of the courtroom when he made his way to the railing on the fourth floor and started going over. The deputies quickly reacted and pulled him back up to safety.

Walker was convicted of third-degree kidnapping and faces a 10-year sentence, but the judge could enhance the penalty because he may be considered a sexual  predator. He could be sentenced to another 15 years, for a total of 25 years in prison.

Walker has a prior sexual abuse conviction from 2006 in Hamilton, Ohio, according to court records. He was convicted for sexual imposition, a misdemeanor charge in Ohio.

According to trial testimony, Walker drove a 42-year-old woman against her will to an abandoned farmhouse on Alburnett Road May 6, and sexually assaulted her.