Judge Orders Full Competency Exam for Homicide Defendant

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On Oct. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein ordered a full mental competency exam for a homicide defendant.

Raymond Mathis, 36, along with Deandre Sams, 27, and Keshawn Lavender, 22, are charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller on Sept. 5 in an apartment on the 200 block of M Street, SW.

According to the police report, all three defendants attempted to steal drugs and money from the victims. The incident led to a shooting that injured five and killed Miller. All three defendants were shot.

A doctor from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) recommended a full exam to determine Mathis’ mental competency. During the hearing the prosecution and defense agreed and Judge Epstein ordered the screen be done before the next hearing.

The next hearing is Dec. 1.

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