Judge Releases Inmate; Allows Behavior Health Services

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A DC judge allowed an inmate to be released on April 21. While released, the inmate will also be able to receive services from behavioral health doctors.

Ernestina Njie is charged with simple assault for getting into a fight on a metro bus. According to court documents, Njie allegedly scratched a female victim on the left side of her face and under her nose. The defendant told the police that she was off her medication.

Judge Michael Ryan allowed the defendant to be released on her own recognizance with release conditions that were not specified. Judge Ryan also allowed her to set up services with behavioral health doctors. The set-up will cause the defendant’s release date to be delayed by 48-hours.

Njie was detained in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, since Feb. 24.

The defendant requested release from the institution because of the COVID-19 pandemic on April 20.

Njie has no other hearings scheduled for the future.