Full Competency Examination Ordered Pending Available Facilities

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On Jan .24 , arguments were presented before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe regarding a defendant’s mental competency to stand trial.

Deonte Spicer, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue SW. The incident occurred at a bus station.

On Jan. 17, Judge O’Keefe ordered a preliminary screening to determine the defendant’s competency, which came back as inconclusive in a Jan. 20 report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

During the hearing, Spicer was not able to identify himself when asked by the judge.

So parties reached an agreement to give Spicer another evaluation to further assess his condition. The defense further requested that Spicer be hospitalized.

The prosecutors expressed concerns about postponing the case. Judge O’Keefe weighed in drawing attention to limited capacity and waitlist at St. Elizabeth’s a psychiatric hospital where DC houses prisoners with mental issues.

Parties are to reconvene about the matter Feb 26.