By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – Attorneys for a 25-year-old Alabaster man who has been charged with robbing a victim at gunpoint in 2017 are asking a Shelby County Circuit Court judge to grant a mental evaluation for the suspect “to determine his mental fitness and clarity, his ability to assist in his defense and his ability to stand trial.”

Keldrin Maurice Burns’ attorney has asked Judge William Bostick to order a psychological evaluation for Burns, who is facing charges of first-degree robbery and second-degree assault, and claimed Burns “suffers from a psychological/mental illness.”

A grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Keldrin Maurice Burns, who lists an address on Baretree Lane in Alabaster, during its March term, upholding the two felony charges.

Burns was arrested along with fellow Alabaster resident Joshua Allen by the Alabaster Police Department on Feb. 18, 2017, and charged with the felonies.

The charges came after Allen and Burns allegedly robbed the victim of a cell phone, wallet, cash, multiple credit cards, a Social Security card and a driver’s license, and allegedly injured the victim with a handgun during a Feb. 14, 2017, incident.

The suspects could face up to life in prison and fines of up to $60,000. Second-degree assault is a class C felony, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000 upon conviction. Because a firearm was used in the crime, the suspects would face a minimum penalty of 10 years imprisonment if they are convicted.

Both Allen and Burns have been released from the Shelby County Jail on bonds totaling $75,000 apiece while awaiting the outcome of their cases.

As of Aug. 28, Allen’s charges were still pending in Shelby County District Court.