DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a defense counsel’s request for a mental competency evaluation of a non-fatal shooting defendant during a hearing on Aug. 19. Before standing trial a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and help his lawyer mount a defense.
Mario Kirksey, 35, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one of unauthorized use of a vehicle. This is in connection to his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at the 1300 block of Okie Street NE on Feb. 28, 2024.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) website, Kirksey allegedly demanded property from the victim, but the victim refused and attempted to run away, when Kirksey reportedly shot him.
During the hearing, Kirksey’s attorney, Terrence Austin, asked Judge Kravitz to order a preliminary forensic screening to determine Kirksey’s competency. Austin said he made the request based on his interactions with Kirksey. No objections were made and the evaluation was granted.
Austin also put on the record that he was currently looking for new defense counsel to represent Kirksey, but did not elaborate on why.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 25 for a mental observation hearing.
