DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) additional time to evaluate the state of mind of a shooting defendant on Oct. 23.
Jonathan Jones, 39, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW, on Feb. 8, 2023. No injuries were reported.
At the hearing, Judge Arthur informed Jones and his defense attorney, Henry Druschel, that the mental observation hearing would be continued for a new date.
According to Judge Arthur, the DBH requested additional time in completing a mental competence examination of Jones.
According to court documents, “the court, having found that the defendant’s placement in an inpatient treatment facility is necessary in order to conduct an adequate examination, or that the defendant is unlikely to comply with an order for an outpatient examination, this examination shall be conducted on an inpatient basis, and the defendant is committed to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for the purpose of such examination.”
Judge Arthur granted the DBH’s request for more time.
In order to stand trial, a person must understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney defend the case.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 14.
