2021 Domestic Violence Defendant Requests Another Competency Screening

By Aubree Tomasetti [former] - November 7, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

On Nov. 7, a mental observation hearing was held before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz to consider whether a domestic violence defendant should get a new doctor to determine if he’s competent to stand trial.

Kevin Settles, 36, is charged with one count of armed carjacking, assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of ammunition, attempted unarmed carjacking, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence shooting that occurred on the 100 block of Ridge Road, SE, on Feb. 23, 2021. No one was injured in the shooting. 

According to court documents, Settles was in the passenger seat of a vehicle when he became agitated and allegedly pointed a firearm at his girlfriend, telling her to exit the car. Settles allegedly ran down the street and shot into the air multiple times, eventually entering the driver’s seat of a Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) truancy van before being disarmed by officers.

Settles’ defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, requested that Settles receive another mental evaluation because he says the previous doctor wrote an incomplete report.

Judge Leibovitz said she could approve a voucher for expert services on the issue of competency, but needed approval from supervisors before making a final decision given the additional cost.

Parties are expected to reconvene Feb. 6 to further discuss Settles’ mental observation results.