DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ordered a carjacking defendant to continue efforts that demonstrate his mental competency at a hearing on March 23.
Demetrius Johnson, 27, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking with pepper spray that left an injured victim on Nov. 4, 2025, on the 3000 block of Hayes Street, NE.
According to court documents, Johnson reportedly approached the victim’s car while he was parked and attempted to open the door. As Johnson walked away, the victim reported that he got out of his car to confront him. The victim stated Johnson engaged him in a fight, allegedly pepper sprayed him in the face then drove off with the vehicle.
At a hearing on Jan. 22, Judge Di Toro ordered Johnson to attempt restoration after a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) deemed him incompetent. To stand trial, Johnson must understand the charges against him and be able to aid his attorney in his defense.
According to the most recent report filed by DBH on March 20, Johnson was still incompetent and recommended additional mental evaluation and participation in the agency’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program.
Based on the report, Judge Di Toro said that Johnson does not require hospitalization but needs continued evaluation and treatment.
Parties are set to reconvene on May 12.
