A defense attorney said in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on July 17 that he plans to challenge a mental competency evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found a stabbing defendant mentally competent to stand trial.
Ian Zephyrin, 46, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly grave-risk while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, possession of a prohibited weapon, attempt to commit robbery, and second-degree theft. All violent offenses carry an additional penalty of allegedly being committed after Zephyrin had at least two felony convictions.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 24, 2025 at the intersection of Florida Avenue and Bohrer Street, NW. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer sustained a cut on his forehead that resulted in approximately 30 stitches to close.
To stand trial, Zephyrin must be deemed mentally competent, meaning he must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.
Zephyrin’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, said the defense is challenging the findings from a July 15 DBH report. According to the report, Zephyrin appeared to have a “factional and rational understanding of the proceedings” and noted “substantial” evidence of his “apparent motivation to appear incapable at opportune times.”
Baldwin said he has contacted doctors to independently evaluate Zephyrin’s competency. The prosecution did not challenge the report’s findings.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 15 to hear from defense’s experts at a contested competency hearing.
