DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found a murder defendant mentally competent enough to stand trial following an evaluation on Oct. 24.
Jordan Therman, 26, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery, and the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 33-year-old Denzel Greenwood on the 1900 block of 13th Street, NW, on Aug. 4, 2023.
He is also charged with two counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, armed carjacking, and possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting that wounded one individual on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW, on Feb. 7, 2024.
Judge Dayson said that Therman previously appeared uncooperative with his attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, prompting her to order a forensic examination. Before standing trial, a defendant must demonstrate that he understands his charges and can work with his attorney.
According to a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Therman was malingering – or exaggerating – symptoms, such as saying he experienced loud auditory hallucinations. The report said a brain scan was inconsistent with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder with delusional beliefs and intense mood swings. .
Judge Dayson added that in previous cases, evaluations resulted in the same malingering determination. Given his history and the new report, she found Therman competent to stand trial.
Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 21.
