A fatal shooting defendant’s initial mental competency screening results were indeterminate, and his doctor requested a full evaluation at a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 10.
Jose Hernandez, 19, was originally charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 19, 2025.
A shooting outside the Georgie Avenue-Petworth Metro station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW killed 19-year-old Zephaniah Wright and injured one other. Another victim was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.
Hernandez accepted a plea agreement on Jan. 8, in which he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault.
At the request of the defense, Judge Ryan ordered that Hernandez complete a mental competency screening on June 5 and then again on June 25. To stand trial, Hernandez must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his defense. A defendant can only accept a plea deal if he is competent to stand trial.
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) doctor who completed that screening was unable to form an opinion regarding Hernandez’s competency and requested a full competency evaluation. Hernandez’s attorney, Mani Golzari, did not oppose.
Prosecutors maintained that they would not oppose Hernandez withdrawing his guilty plea if necessary.
Jayden Wells, 19, Hernandez’s co-defendant, faces the same charges, as well as possession of more than a half pound of marijuana with the intent to distribute.
Wells’ attorney, David Akulian, argued that he did not want his client’s case to “drag behind” Hernandez’s competency evaluation, especially as to not violate Wells’ speedy trial rights. He requested that a tentative trial date be set for Wells.
The trial is tentatively scheduled to begin for Wells on Sept. 20, 2027, and prosecutors said it will last “several weeks.”
Parties for Hernandez are slated to reconvene on Sept. 1.
