Competency Exam Ordered for Murder Defendant

By Elizabeth Bernstein - November 1, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a hearing on Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt reordered a mental competency evaluation for a murder defendant after he refused to participate in the evaluation the first time.

Niko Hall, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Anthony Lee on Sept. 26, 2020, on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. 

A letter from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) alerted the court that Hall refused to participate in a mental health evaluation.

Hall and his attorney, Wole Falodun, approached Judge Brandt in a private conversation.

Following the conversation, Judge Brand informed the prosecution that Hall was agreeing to participate in another evaluation. 

Judge Brandt reordered a mental competency evaluation for Hall.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 7.