Defendant Accused of Carjacking FBI Agent Found Competent to Stand Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 21, 2024
Carjacking | Daily Stories | Suspects | Victims |

A carjacking defendant was found mentally competent to stand trial based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) received by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro, during a June 21 hearing.

Devonta Lynch, 18, is charged with unarmed carjacking, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident involving an FBI agent that occurred on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 100 block of 12th Street, NE.

According to court documents, two individuals, one of whom was identified as Lynch, knocked a woman to the ground and demanded her keys and phone while pointing a handgun at her. The victim, unbeknownst to the defendant at the time, is an FBI agent. The victim fought back in the attack and was injured. Along with her phone and keys, ammunition in the back of her car was also stolen. 

At the hearing, Judge Di Toro deemed Lynch competent to stand trial based on a report from DBH dated June 20. 

In light of that finding, defense attorney, Lisbeth Saperstein, requested additional time to discuss other concerns contained in the report, separate from competency, that needed to be addressed with Lynch. 

Lynch declined to make a statement, however Saperstein stated that Lynch had been cooperative while at the jail and was working hard to better himself. Saperstein also pointed out Lynch’s mother was present in court to support him.

The court will reconvene on Aug. 13.