In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on Oct 21., a new mental competency evaluation failed to resolve issues surrounding a defendant’s competency to stand trial.
Leon Bryant, 35, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed in a stabbing that occurred on Sept. 8, 2025 on the 1700 block of Lincoln Rd, NE, leaving one person injured.
The court ordered a second competency evaluation on Sept. 19, after Bryant initially refused to engage with the doctor. Once more, the results from the second competency evaluation were inconclusive.
Judge Israel noted that the doctor conducting the evaluation “cannot get him [Bryant] to be forthright” and could not generate an opinion on his competency.
Judge Israel stated that she “is not pleased” with Bryant’s behavior and expressed frustration with what she described as Bryant’s “malingering,” emphasizing that he behaves differently with the competency evaluator than he does with other corrections staff.
Though Judge Israel ordered a third mental competency evaluation, she warned no further evaluation would be granted if Bryant again refuses to participate. Based on the available evidence, a judge has to rule on whether a defendant is mentally competent to stand trial–meaning he has to understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 20.
