Man charged with rape of a child at PeaceHealth Medical Center

A 37-year-old Bellingham man, Alexander Humphries, has been charged with third-degree rape following an incident at a medical facility. The charges, filed on May 20, stem from an alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old child.

Incident at Specialized Emergency Care Unit

The alleged assault occurred early on the morning of May 19 at the PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Specialized Emergency Care Unit. Both the suspect and the victim were patients at the facility at the time.

According to a probable cause statement, the victim was waiting to use the bathroom when Humphries exited a room naked. He is suspected of grabbing the victim and raping her inside the bathroom on two separate occasions.

The probable cause statement notes that a nurse knocked on the bathroom door during the second occurrence. Surveillance footage from the unit captured Humphries and the victim exiting the bathroom together twice.

Did You Know? Surveillance footage from the Specialized Emergency Care Unit documented the suspect and the victim exiting the bathroom together on two separate occasions.

Legal Proceedings and Mental Competency

When questioned by police, Humphries stated he did not know why he committed the act. He questioned the nature of the charge, asking, “How is it rape? She asked for it, she wanted me for some reason.”

Humphries is currently being held at the Whatcom County Jail on a no-bail hold. A court commissioner has already found proof that he did not understand the nature of the charges against him.

Because of this, he must undergo a competency evaluation to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial. Court documents indicate that Humphries has previously received special education services for a developmental disability.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the intersection of developmental disabilities and criminal charges creates a complex legal path. The primary stake here is whether a defendant possesses the mental capacity to understand the proceedings, which may shift the focus from immediate prosecution to clinical restoration.

Potential Next Steps

Humphries is scheduled to appear in court for a competency hearing on June 4. This hearing will determine his current mental fitness for trial.

If he is found not competent to stand trial at this time, he may be transferred to Western State Hospital. This potential transfer would be for competency restoration, which could involve group therapy and medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the alleged assault take place?

The incident occurred at the PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Specialized Emergency Care Unit, where both the suspect and the victim were patients.

Frequently Asked Questions — Medical Center Specialized Emergency Care Unit

What evidence was cited in the probable cause statement?

Evidence includes the victim’s account, a report that a nurse knocked on the bathroom door during the second assault, and surveillance footage showing the two individuals exiting the bathroom together twice.

What happens if Alexander Humphries is found incompetent to stand trial?

He may be transferred to Western State Hospital for competency restoration, a process that can include medication and group therapy.

How should healthcare facilities balance patient autonomy with the need for rigorous safety protocols in specialized care units?