Ammaad El-Chase competency hearing pushed until December

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 24, 2017
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

The court’s timeline in deciding the competency of murder suspect Ammaad Chase-El was delayed to December.

Chase-El allegedly fatally shot Antonio Ayala, 34, on Mar. 30, 2015, on 13th and Van Buren Streets, NW. Two additional suspects, Javonte Odom and Herman Odom, are also charged with the murder of Ayala. Javonte has currently entered a plea deal and is set to be sentenced on Nov. 16. Herman is set to appear for a status hearing on Dec 15.

Since his arrest on April 9, 2015, Chase-El has spent most his time receiving psychiatric treatment and testing at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. His attorney stated that he no longer is being involuntarily given medication for his depression, and that he now takes the medication on his own. He also requested Chase-El be permitted to stay at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital so it would be easier for him to take his medication. Judge Zoe Bush denied this order and stated that his medical schedule will be sent to D.C. jail from the hospital. In the past, Chase-El has had an adjustment disorder, according to a pre-trial services clinical psychologist.

The government and Chase-El’s attorney discussed arranging for an expert witness to testify about Chase-El’s competency. The defense said their independent psychologist wouldn’t be available until October and the government said their expert wouldn’t be available until December. They agreed that this hearing would take two days.

The mental observation hearing will begin on Dec. 1 and Dec 15.