DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered a homicide defendant to receive a full mental competency exam on Aug. 11.
Anna Hyman, 22, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 63-year-old Robert Dent on July 26, 2025, on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW. Dent sustained 55 sharp force trauma injuries to his face, neck, chest, left thigh, and right hand.
According to court documents, the homicide allegedly resulted from a domestic dispute between Hyman and Dent.
During the hearing, Judge Ryan said that an initial competency report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Hyman was partially competent.
The DBH report concluded that Hyman understood her attorney’s role but had less understanding of the role of the prosecution and the judge. The report also stated that Hyman didn’t appreciate the seriousness of the charges.
Therefore, Judge Ryan ruled Hyman be sent to Saint Elizabeths Psychiatric Hospital for a full competency exam.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 10.
