DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz and an attorney from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) discussed where a competent stabbing defendant should be held at a hearing on Aug. 7.
Corey Bridges, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and tampering with physical evidence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE, on June 7, 2025.
DBH filed a motion on July 16 for Bridges to be returned to the DC Jail from Saint Elizabeths Hospital, where he is on psychiatric hold.
Judge Kravitz previously granted a request from Bridges’ attorneys on June 18 for their client to remain at the hospital to maintain his competency. The defense asserted that Bridges receives better treatment there than in jail.
Doctors with DBH found Bridges mentally competent for court on May 29. This means they deemed him able to understand the charges against him and assist in his defense, and thus able to stand trial.
The doctors concluded that Bridges was malingering, or intentionally exaggerating or falsifying his symptoms to interfere with or delay court proceedings.
At the hearing, a DBH attorney was virtually present. She argued that the judge has no statutory authority to order Bridges to remain at the hospital, because DBH has the factual basis in this scenario.
Judge Kravitz expressed confusion at the DBH attorney’s argument, and said “DBH has overplayed its hand in its filing.” He claimed DBH expressed different positions with similar situations in the past.
Judge Kravitz asked the DBH attorney to file more information explaining the basis for their request in Bridges’ case.
Bridges’ attorney, Theordore Shaw, asked for a prompt status hearing because Bridges intends to accept a plea agreement after talking with his attorneys.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 17 when Bridges is expected to accept a plea.
