DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a full mental competency examination for a stabbing defendant who voiced that he does not understand his case on April 30.
Corey Bridges, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 7, 2025 on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE. The victim sustained multiple lacerations to their neck and bled severely.
At a hearing on April 3, Judge Kravitz granted a defense request for a preliminary evaluation of Bridges’ competency at the DC Jail. To stand trial, Bridges must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.
A report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), filed on April 9, found Bridges met those criterial. His attorneys, Molly Bunke and Theodore Shaw, asked for additional time to consider the report.
At the hearing, Bunke informed Judge Kravitz that the defense had no information to add to the DBH findings.
Bridges then said, “I feel incompetent” and continued, “Judge Kravitz, I feel kinda unknowledgeable of everything that’s placed in front of me. I feel that I’m incompetent to the proceedings.” In addition, Bridges expressed “I’m just trying to get everything over with” and asked Judge Kravitz for a ruling.
Bunke said she was happy Bridges was able to make his position known.
Judge Kravitz inquired about the specific aspect of his case Bridges did not understand. Bridges responded that he did not understand most of the plea deal offered to him.
Judge Kravitz concluded that the most appropriate course of action was to order a full competency evaluation to determine whether Bridges understands the proceedings. The evaluation would take 30 days and the case could not move forward until it was completed, Judge Kravitz noted to Bridges.
Bridges asked “Can you send me to Saint E’s for the 30 days. I’m tired of that jail.” Bridges described his experience at the DC Jail as “claustrophobic, vomiting, [and] discomfort.”
Bunke reiterated Bridges’ request for his transfer to Saint Elizabeths Hospital and noted his long-standing schizophrenia diagnosis.
The prosecutor said the full evaluation should be completed at the jail unless DBH said the transfer was necessary.
Bunke said they would receive more information from the observations at Saint Elizabeths and the law allows for Bridges’ transfer if the judge found that placement at an in-patient facility is necessary for an adequate examination.
Judge Kravitz acknowledged it was possible to complete an evaluation at the jail but he was not confident it would be reliable. The prior DBH report relied on the examiner’s opinion that Bridges malingered and feigned a lack of understanding. Judge Kravitz concluded that the ability to constantly observe Bridges would likely reveal whether he is malingering.
As a result, Judge Kravitz orders Bridges’ transfer to Saint Elizabeths for a full competency evaluation.
“Thank you, your honor,” said Bridges.
A mental observation hearing is scheduled for May 29.
