A defendant accused of stabbing a child has undergone multiple mental health evaluations with conflicting results. Awaiting the latest competency results, the defense requested DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park transfer the case to another judge on Feb. 18.
Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, cruelty to children, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Wright’s alleged involvement in the stabbing of a two-year-old on May 27, 2020, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
Initially, Wright had been ruled as incompetent with the possibility of restoration, but that conclusion was changed to competent after the prosecution claimed there was a lack of effort from the defendant in achieving restoration so he could stand trial.
Laura Rose, Wright’s attorney, continues to contest his competency finding and motioned the case to be transferred to Judge Neal Kravitz, arguing that since Judge Kravitz is familiar with Wright due to another matter, he could provide a valuable comparison between the cases.
The prosecution objected to the transfer. Judge Park stated the transfer would probably not happen.
Parties are slated to reconvene May 22.
