Despite his attorney’s objections, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno ordered a mental competency exam for a defendant following his unruly court behavior in a hearing on July 22.
Erik Schleehauf, 43, is charged with assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on April 15 on the 1100 block of New Jersey Avenue, SE.
The defense and prosecution don’t think mental competency is a concern in the case even though Schleehauf does. He disagreed with Judge Salerno’s denial of an earlier defense motion to suppress evidence, an issue that he raised at the current hearing.
“How about a screening for the evidence? How about we release it to the media?” Schleehauf asked the court. At times he was yelling during the hearing.
The judge raised the competency issue at Schleehauf’s preliminary hearing in April, and repeated his concerns about Schleehauf’s ability to work with his defense attorney, Amanda Epstein based on Schleehauf’s in court demeanor.
“Does he understand he doesn’t just blurt out and raise his voice whenever he wants to?” Judge Salerno asked.
In order to stand trial, a defendant has to understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney defend the case; otherwise he’s not considered mentally competent.
Schleehauf continued to interrupt the proceedings, asking how the parties will address his concern about the evidence. Judge Salerno said the argument for a mental health evaluation became more obvious as Schleehauf kept interrupting the court.
Judge Salerno spoke with Schleehauf privately about the evidence issue.
Ultimately, Judge Salerno requested a mental competency exam and notified the parties that the trial date will be moved to the following week.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 25 for a mental observation hearing.
