An attorney for a murder defendant told DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman that he will likely pursue an insanity defense on Sept. 12.
Ronzoni Jackson, Jr., 26, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of 28-year-old Octavio Quintano and 35-year-old Osmine Quintano on Dec. 12, 2023, at a liquor store on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.
According to court documents, the suspect was initially identified through distinctive facial features captured on surveillance footage.
Defense attorney Sellano Simmons said that the defense has an expert who will evaluate Ronzoni to determine whether to use an insanity defense during trial. The prosecution also said they want a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) evaluation to determine if Jackson can be held criminally responsibile before trial.
Judge Edelman emphasized the importance of the defense expert’s meeting the Oct. 1 deadline for their report.
Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 3.
