Judge Grants Additional Time for Competency Evals for Juveniles Charged as Adults

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Doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested additional time to further evaluate two juveniles charged as adults in a homicide case.

Marlan Smith and Anthony Monroe, both 17, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham on Sept. 11, 2023, on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a failed robbery attempt and injured a bystander that tried to intervene.

On May 3, parties reviewed the report created by DBH which stated they were unable to form an opinion on the defendants’ competency.

However, Stephen LoGerfo, Monroe’s attorney, alerted the court that he is currently in competency restoration classes through the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), due to a prior incompetent finding in a pending juvenile case.

“If he’s incompetent somewhere, he’s incompetent everywhere,” said LoGerfo.

Parties agreed to give the DBH additional time to further evaluate them.

“Keep your head up baby,” said Smith’s family member, as he was escorted out of the courtroom.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 26 in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom.

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