DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld re-ordered mental health evaluation for a stabbing defendant on May 18.
Edward Cowser, 46, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 8 at a gas station on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
During the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld alerted the parties she had received a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) stating Cowser had refused to participate in the evaluation DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones had ordered on May 12.
Anthony Dimillo, Cowser’s attorney, alerted Judge Hertzfeld his refusal had been a miscommunication between correctional officers and Cowser.
Judge Hertzfeld reminded Cowser it is important for him to participate in the evaluation in order for the case to progress. In order for a defendant to stand trial, he must be mentally compentent enough to understand the charges against him and assist his attorney.
She re-ordered the evaluation.
Parties are slated to reconvene May 21.
