Defendant in Multiple Carjacking Case Found Competent, Scheduled for Trial

By Laura Berol - July 22, 2024
Carjacking | Daily Stories | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz found Taysean Hawkins competent to stand trial, based on a report from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and scheduled the proceeding for Jan. 29, 2025, at a hearing held on July 22. 

Hawkins, 21, is charged with conspiracy, two counts of armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and fleeing a law enforcement officer. The charges stem from multiple carjackings that occurred on Jan. 11 and 12, 2021, on the 1500 block of 30th Street, NW; the 4700 block of Alton Place, NW; the 4300 block of Alton Place, NW; and the 2600 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court documents, the crime spree ended in a high-speed car chase between Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers and two defendants, Hawkins and James Borum, 21. The carjacked vehicle collided with a utility pole, and Borum was detained while attempting to flee on foot. Hawkins was removed from the driver’s seat and taken to a hospital for treatment.

At the hearing, Michael Madden accepted an appointment to serve as Hawkins’ defense attorney. Hawkins’ previous attorney withdrew from the case in June due to a conflict of interest.

Judge Leibovitz discussed DBH’s findings with the parties that Hawkins was mentally competent, with no objection from either side. 

The prosecution informed the court that they have extended a plea offer to Hawkins which would require he plead guilty to carjacking in exchange for all other charges being dropped. 

Madden requested two weeks to acquaint himself with the facts of the case and discuss the plea offer with Hawkins. The prosecution set a deadline of Aug. 5 for Hawkins to make a decision on the offer. 

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Aug. 5.