DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found a defendant accused of stabbing a police officer mentally competent on March 20.
Ian Zephyrin, 46, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 600 block of Florida Avenue, NW, on June 24, 2025. One individual sustained stab wounds to his head.
According to court documents, the victim, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, confronted Zephyrin when he was allegedly attempting to steal items from a CVS. The victim and Zephyrin reportedly got into a physical fight before Zephyrin was forced to the ground with the help of other officers. After Zephyrin was handcuffed, the victim realized his head had been cut.
Based on the most recent report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Zephyrin was determined mentally competent. At the hearing, Judge Brandt accepted the finding. To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to aid his attorney in his defense.
The prosecution and Zephyrin’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, both agreed with the DBH report and the judge’s ruling.
Baldwin requested Zephyrin remain at Saint Elizabeths Hospital for psychiatric treatment. He told Judge Brandt he’s worried that if Zephyrin is returned to the DC Jail, he will lose his competency status.
Judge Brandt told Baldwin that because Zephyrin was found competent, she doesn’t have the ability to keep him at the hospital. If his competency declines at the jail, she said, he’ll be sent back to the hospital.
The parties are slated to reconvene on May 13.
