Before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on July 9, parties clashed over the use of a so-called “safety suite” to restore a shooting defendant’s mental competency.
Darryl Thompson, 37, also known as Darryl Tompkins, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and obstruction of justice related to harassment and reporting.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in two murders, the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr. on July 30, 2016 on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. Thompson is also charged for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Tyler McEachern on Aug. 29, 2016 on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.
In court, Thompson’s attorneys, Dana Page and Mani Golzari, argued that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) placed Thompson in a “safety suite” at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Page claimed that the safety suite treatment facility is a “euphemism for solitary confinement” and opposed its use.
DBH representatives described the safety suite in court, likening it to an apartment with layers of doors that can be locked or unlocked when it’s deemed safe to do so. Patients can stay in the bedroom area or gain access to a living room-style area.
The purpose of the approach, according to prosecutors, is to restore Thompson’s mental competency. To stand trial, Thompson must understand the charges against him and must be able to assist his attorneys in his defense.
According to court records, Thompson was found incompetent to stand trial on May 16, 2025.
“This is just wrong and just patently illegal,” Page noted, arguing that the manner in which DBH is using the safety suite violates DC statutes, DBH’s own policies, and the 14th Amendment guaranteeing fair legal process.
In addition, the use of a safety suite “cannot possibly be helpful,” Page claimed, citing that solitary confinement does not lead to competency restoration and can instead result in heightened paranoia or false beliefs for defendants.
The prosecution responded by alleging that the safety suite is a “necessary tool” because Thompson has “assaulted other patients and staff” at mental health facilities. They also asserted that the severity of the case warrants its use.
Judge Park responded to parties’ arguments by requesting additional information from DBH about their policies and protocols.
However, he noted, “we’ve been in this posture for many months,” referencing the continued dispute between parties about Thompson’s competence. He stated that he would rule on this matter in the next scheduled hearing.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 20.
