DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe scheduled a hearing to determine if a shooting defendant’s mental competency could be restored on Feb. 18.
Donnell Hannah, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE on July 21, 2022. No injuries were reported but one individual was targeted.
According to court documents, Hannah allegedly got into an argument with a man over a woman’s car keys with whom he was romantically involved. The man then reportedly attempted to stab Hannah and Hannah shot at him. The man allegedly returned fire with his gun before two nearby Special Police Officers (SPOs) intervened and told them to drop their weapons.
According to court records, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Hannah mentally incompetent and ordering out-patient restoration on Feb. 5. In order to stand trial, a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer.
Regarding the DBH report, Hannah’s attorney, Russell Hairston, told Judge Pipe he believed Hannah would attain competency in the foreseeable future. Court records indicate DBH first found Hannah incompetent in May 2025.
The prosecution recommended that Hannah receive treatment to restore his competency, based on the most recent DBH report.
Judge Pipe scheduled a hearing for an expert to testify to determine whether Hannah’s competency could be restored.
The parties are slated to reconvene on March 20.
