Murder Defendant Can Stand Trial If Takes Medication, Experts Say

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During a motions hearing Sept. 18, witnesses testified to the competence of a murder defendant.

Brandon Byrd is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing his 44-year-old father, Otis Byrd, on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NW in 2016.

A psychologist and a psychiatrist from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital, testified that if Byrd resumed taking medication to control his symptoms, he would be competent to stand trial.

According to the experts, Byrd, 21, has psychosis and schizophrenia, which can make it difficult for him to engage in conversations and other activities.

But, defense attorney Craig Hickein said Byrd does not want to take the medication because it makes him feel sick.

Hickein asked the psychiatrist if therapy might be an alternative to medication.

The witness said therapy is only used along with medication and not as a substitute. Byrd’s symptoms were not minor, the witness told the DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Lee Beck.

The psychologist said it is difficult to perform cognitive tests on Byrd since he cannot engage with the tests. If he were medicated, his scores would be more consistent and would likely improve. The witness testified that Byrd’s “processing speed is low”.

Both witnesses said Byrd has somatic delusions, such as believing his body has maggots in it and that he is infected with HIV. It is also difficult to motivate Byrd to perform tasks such as bathing.

D.C. Witness previously reported that Byrd has been forced to take medication in the past, which Hickein considers to be unconstitutional.

Hickein appealed the involuntarily medication in March, and the DC Circuit Court of Appeals discontinued Byrd’s medication pending appeal.

The motions hearing is scheduled to continue on Sept. 19.