Judge Orders Competency Screening for Murder Defendant

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A DC Superior Court judge ordered a preliminary screening to determine if a murder defendant is competent to stand trial.

Devon Stephens, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 34-year-old Eugene Issac Jr. on the 100 block of N Street, NW, on Feb. 15, 2020.

During the Sept. 29 status hearing, defense attorneys Raymond Jones and Lisbeth Sapirstien asked Judge Marisa Demeo to schedule a forensic screening for their client. Stephens also asked for new defense counsel. Judge Demeo said the request will be addressed once the issue of mental competency is resolved.

Parties are slated to discuss the results of the screening during a mental observation hearing on Oct. 19.

Stephens is currently being held at DC Jail.

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