A defendant’s mental competence is still in question after a specialist from St. Elizabeths mental hospital testified about a ‘lack of effort’ in his evaluation before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 13.
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.
During cross examination by defense attorneys Madalyn Harvey, Christen Philips, and Laura Rose, the analyst provided information from her October 2024 psychiatric report, observing that Wright exhibited schizophrenic and other psychiatric symptoms.
The witness cited Wright’s hesitate speech and problems with original thought. Audio recordings from Wright’s October 2024 interview showed an inability to answer open-ended questions. He would pause for an extended period after a question was asked before responding, “I don’t know.”
While the behavioral specialist conceded that these symptoms are signs of schizophrenia, inconsistencies in Wright’s presentation led her to conclude that Wright was exhibiting a “lack of effort” when pressed about competency–in other words it’s not clear whether he understand his legal predicament. She noted his performance improved when asked direct questions and was more engaged with discussions unrelated to his competency case.
Parties are slated to reconvene on June 20 to continue the competence discussion.
