Is Juan Kibler Competent to Stand Trial?

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 13, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On June 12, a DC Superior Court judge ordered a murder defendant to undergo a full competency evaluation.

The evaluation was ordered after results from Juan Kibler’s competency screening were given to Judge Ronna L. Beck. The screening was approved June 5 to decipher if Kibler was mentally capable to stand trial.

Kibler, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 40 year-old Joseph Harris. The incident took place on the 2300 block of Green Street, SE on May 7. Harris died at a local hospital on May 8.

Beck denied the defense’s request for Kibler to be released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). HISP supervises defendants who are determined to be a safety or appearance risk.

Kibler’s crime “is too great to be released regardless of mental competency,” Beck said.

Kibler is scheduled for preliminary and mental observation hearings on July 13.