DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe issued a bench warrant for a non-fatal stabbing defendant after his failure to appear in court on June 5 for a mental competency hearing.
On Nov. 29, 2022, Allen Shorter, 58, was convicted and sentenced to 18 months of incarceration for assault with significant bodily injury and carrying a dangerous weapon for alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Oct. 6, 2019, on a Metro bus between Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Blue Plains Drive, SW.
On March 6, 2025, Shorter’s lack non-compliance with his probation raised concerns about his cognitive abilities. On April 7, a requested mental competency exam found Shorter to be incompetent. A full competency exam was then ordered.
Shorter has a history of missed appearances, which include failing to report to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency’s (CSOSA) supervision and a preliminary forensic screening. According to his attorney, Quo Judkins, Shorter was entirely unaware he had the appointment.
Shorter likewise failed to appear for this latest mental observation hearing. Judkins mentioned that she and Shorter’s wife share concerns over Shorter’s “bad memory” and other cognitive impairments.
Judkins admitted to relying on Shorter’s wife to ensure his appearance in court. Shorter’s wifeexpressed that her husband has been “difficult” recently and she’s pressed for time.
Judge Iscoe mentioned the possibility of the prosecution dropping all charges. The prosecution said this was impossible, given their severity.
After the defense made an unsuccessful attempt to reach Shorter by mobile phone, Judge Iscoe issued a bench warrant to go into effect an hour and a half later, at 11:30 a. m.
“He didn’t show up to his competency hearing.” Judge Iscoe said, “That’s essential.”
Shorter failed to appear and the bench warrant remains in effect.
Parties are slated to reconvene when he’s taken into custody.
