New Attorney Wants to Review Homicide Defendant’s Competency Finding 

By Adriana Marroquin - May 1, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide defendant’s newly appointed attorney alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe she needs time to review the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) a contested competency report for her client.

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.  

A previous defense motion asked for a preliminary screening to determine Spicer’s mentally status because, “it has been apparent to counsel that Mr. Spicer is not able to competently assist counsel in his defense.” However, on April 5, Spicer was ruled competent to proceed with his case.

On April 18, Spicer filed a “pro se” motion, in effect representing himself, requesting a new attorney. 

In his handwritten motion, Spicer stated, “[Russell Hairston, his previous attorney] refuses to go over the case with me and doesn’t tell me any plan or strategy he has for the case at all.”

He added that his attorney has “on several legal ‘visits’ and conversations, told me that I am guilty of this crime I am charged with, even though I have never said anything of the sort to him.” Spicer maintains his innocence. 

Marnitta King, who was appointed as Spicer’s counsel on May 1, told Judge O’Keefe she would need time before a preliminary hearing to review the competency findings.

If she disagrees or opines that a new evaluation should be done, she will alert the court and the prosecution. 

Parties are slated to return June 13.