Judge Orders a Third Mental Health Evaluation for Stabbing Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo ordered a third competency evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) for a defendant allegedly involved in a stabbing incident. The ruling came in a June 10 hearing.

Stephen Herring, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside his home or business for allegedly stabbing 30-year-old Marcus Thurman on Aug. 22, 2023 at the 100 block of M Street, NE. Thurman succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 4, 2023.

According to court documents, the defendant and Thurman were in a verbal altercation that led to the defendant stabbing the victim in the chest before fleeing the scene on foot.

At the hearing, Judge Demeo referred to a report conducted by the DBH to determine whether or not Herring would be ready to stand trial.

The report stated so far that’s not been possible.

“The inpatient setting will allow for a more comprehensive evaluation and documentation of Mr. Herring’s abilities and disabilities, which are difficult to ascertain within the setting of a time-limited interview,” said the report.

Following the DBH’s recommendations, Judge Demeo ordered Herring to a full competency evaluation in an inpatient setting at St. Elizabeths Hospital.

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough stated he would wait to go over any potential plea offer from the prosecution until his client was deemed competent by the DBH.

The prosecution did not object to Yarbough’s abeyance hold.

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 9.