A shooting defendant requested a mental competency evaluation before sentencing in a hearing on July 30 before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel.
On June 4, Reginald Datcher, 54, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 20, 2024, on the 400 block of Hillside Road, SE that injured no one.
During the hearing, defense attorney Charles Haskell requested a sentencing postponement to allow time for Datcher to have a psychiatric exam. A defendant must be able to understand the charges against him and help his lawyer; otherwise, he can’t stand trial.
When Judge Israel asked the defendant directly why he asked to be tested, Datcher said “Kinda sort of.” Datcher also stated that he kept hearing voices of his wife in his head. Judge Israel also stated that the pre-sentencing report said Datcher was reporting auditory and visual hallucinations.
Due to these factors, Judge Israel granted a mental competency exam for Datcher.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 6.
