DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a stabbing defendant undergo further mental evaluations following an incompetency finding by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on June 5.
On March 14, Amare Admasu, 32, received an 18 month suspended sentence, with two years of probation, for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to his involvement in a stabbing that injured one. The incident occurred on May 3, 2022 at the Fort Totten Park on the 100 block of Gallatin Street, NE.
In April, his probation officer alerted the court he’d lost contact with Admasu and requested Judge McLean issue a bench warrant.
During the hearing, parties discussed a report received from DBH, which stated Admasu is mentally incompetent to stand trial meaning he’s unable to understand the charges and participate in his own defense.
Admasu’s defense attorney, Steven Polin, stated that Admasu “will have his immigrant status affected” due to his conviction and competency issues.
Judge McLean ordered Admasu to continue receiving treatment at St. Elizabeths and undergo further evaluations to see if competency could be restored.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 15.
