Murder Defendant in Stabbing Found Mentally Incompetent

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On July 11, a homicide defendant was found mentally incompetent to stand trial pending further evaluation.

Asmerom Ghebrekidan is charged with second-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE, on May 25. The assault left two victims suffering from injuries, and one of the victims, 41-year-old Fitsum Ayele Mamo, died two days after the incident.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Ghebrekidan and Mamo got into a fight, and the other victim was trying to seperate them.

Mamo and the surviving victim were stabbed on their heads, and Mamo sustained additional stab wounds to his left arm.

At the hearing Ghebrekidan’s full mental competency examination was presented. The evaluations were done by the Department of Behavioral Health, which found Ghebrekidan mentally incompetent.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein reviewed the report and issued what’s called an Incompetency and Inpatient Competency Restoration Order. As a result, Ghebrekidan will receive further evaluations and treatment at St. Elizabeths Hospital.

Following the ruling, Ghebrekidan reacted strongly to the court’s decision, complaining about feeling endangered at St. Elizabeths and the uncertainty of experiencing restoration treatment.

The next mental observation hearing is scheduled for September 15.