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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- June 26, 2023
Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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On June 23, following weeks of disagreement between parties, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt assigned a doctor to continue mental observations of a defendant accused of violent crimes.
Joseph Evans, 57, is charged with kidnapping while armed, first degree sexual abuse while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to an incident on Sept. 24, 2012 on the unit block of K Street, NE. According to court documents, a gun was fired during the crime.
Parties discussed a prosecution motion to reconsider using an independent mental health expert, following lengthy discussions about the mental observations done by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).
On June 16, Judge Brandt expressed concern about the original mental health expert’s testimony and said that she needed more time to make a ruling.
The prosecution asked if they could bring in a mental health expert, but Judge Brandt declined their request, stating that both parties had previously had the opportunity to appoint an expert.
So, Judge Brandt designated an expert who is not affiliated with DBH to perform more evaluations on Evans.
All parties are scheduled to return on July 20 to review Evans’ new evaluation to see if he’s mentally competent to stand trial.