A defense attorney in DC Superior Court Neal Kravitz’s courtroom said she intends to challenge an evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found a stabbing defendant mentally competent to stand trial.
Leon Bryant, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Jonathan Simmons-Miller on the 700 block of V Street, NW on July 30, 2025. Simmons-Miller died from one stab wound to his abdomen.
In a separate case, Bryant is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that stemmed from an attempted robbery on Sept. 8, 2025 on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE. The victim sustained a superficial puncture.
Bryant’s attorney, Christen Romero Philips, said an expert for the defense evaluated Bryant on June 5 and determined him not competent. The expert will have a report in about a month, Philips said.
To stand trial, Bryant must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.
A contested competency hearing was scheduled for July 17, and the defense said their expert will be ready to testify.
Bryant is currently at Saint Elizabeths Hospital on psychiatric hold.
Parties are set to reconvene on June 15 to resume Bryant’s preliminary hearing for the murder case.
