DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman postponed a double homicide case on July 2 after the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) failed to complete a court-ordered criminal responsibility evaluation, in other words determining whether a defendant was legally insane when committing the crime.
Ronzoni Jackson, 26, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of brothers 35-year-old Osmine Quintano and 28-year-old Octavio Quintano on Dec. 12, 2023, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.
Jackson’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, told the court that the defense is still waiting for DBH to complete Jackson’s criminal responsibility evaluation, which was ordered months ago. According to the parties, DBH expects to issue its report within the coming weeks.
A criminal responsibility evaluation determines whether a defendant can be held legally responsible for their actions at the time of the offense because of a mental illness.
Simmons requested another status hearing after the report is completed so the defense can review its findings before the case proceeds.
The prosecution told the court that they have already begun searching for their own expert to evaluate Jackson if necessary. However, they cannot respond with an independent evaluation until DBH issues its report.
Judge Edelman set a July 17 deadline for the parties to provide updates regarding expert witnesses and reminded counsel that any expert disclosures must comply with Rule 16, which governs the exchange of evidence and expert information between the parties before trial.
Parties are set to reconvene for another status hearing on Aug. 4.
