Carjacking Defendant Evaluated for Trial Competence

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DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted Todd Baldwin’s request on March 31 that his client, Derrick Curtis, receive a forensic competency evaluation to determine his mental status.

Curtis, 22, is charged with carjacking for allegedly pushing a driver off his moped at the intersection of 16th Street and Benning Road, NE, and fleeing on the stolen scooter. The incident occurred on Dec. 30, 2024.

According to court records, a relative of Curtis identified him from surveillance camera footage taken at the scene of the incident immediately before it occurred.

A forensic competency evaluation is conducted to determine whether a defendant understands the judicial process sufficiently to assist an attorney in mounting a legal defense. Defendants who are found incompetent to stand trial receive psychological treatment and education to restore their competence. 

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for April 4.