Judge Orders Mental Observation Exam

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 14, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a mental observation hearing on Feb. 14, a judge ordered a mental observation exam, while the defense requested release for a murder defendant. 

Daryl Thompson, also known as Darryl Tompkins, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, obstructing justice and threat to kidnap or injure a person  for his alleged involvement in the deaths of Edward Roberts Jr. and Tyler McEachern.  Roberts, 29, was killed on the 3500 block of 14th Street., NW on July 30, 2016. McEarchern, 23, was killed on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE on Aug. 29, 2016.

D.C Witness previously reported that Thompson repeatedly refused to undergo a medical evaluation. He also refused a judge’s order to complete a mental competency exam on Dec. 16.

Thompson’s defense attorney, Dana Page, told DC Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz that Thompson is not mentally ill, and therefore does not want to complete a medical evaluation exam or take medication. 

Page also requested that Thompson be released. 

The prosecution said there was enough grounds for the court to order a medical evaluation. He also said that the evaluation did not mean that Thompson would need to take medication, but would help him make his point that he is competent and ready for trial. 

The prosecution disagreed on the release request, saying that Thompson was found to have substantial probability in the charge. Thompson should stay in custody, the prosecutor said. 

“I can’t think of a good reason why I wouldn’t order him to comply and submit to an evaluation,” said Judge Kravitz. 

Judge Kravitz ordered a mental competency exam. 

Judge Kravitz also denied the defense’s oral  request for release. He told the defense to submit a written request for release for him to consider. 

Thompson is scheduled for a mental observation hearing on March. 20.

This article was written by Lea Giasnasso.