In a hearing on July 25, attorneys debated whether a defendant’s mental competency has been restored before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park. In order to stand trial a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and help his attorney craft a defense.
Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, cruelty to children, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a May 27, 2020 stabbing of a 30-month-old child on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
The prosecution argued that behavioral specialists at Saint Elizabeths Hospital said Wright could answer simple questions such as, “What is a felony?” However, he failed to answer the question, “What does it mean to be acquitted?” Still, prosecutors noted that when asked, many defendants could not answer the question properly.
The prosecution also stated that Wright has been able to play and explain strategic games like chess and Trouble, a board game you win by completing the course before your opponent. Prosecutors say Wright is able to make choices about his daily schedule, advocate for treatment as well as perform other tasks. Doctors noted that over time, Wright’s behavior continue to evolve.
However, when asked about details of his case, he was much more hesitant to respond or interact, but he was able to discuss less serious subjects like tattoos.
Defense attorneys Patrick Nowak and Christen Philips argued that Wright’s diagnosis of depression and schizophrenia makes daily tasks challenging. Prosecutors argued that condition is not a measure used in the MacCAT-T mental capacity test; therefore it should not be considered when evaluating Wright’s legal competency.
The MacCAT-T measures a patient’s ability to understand their treatment, appreciate their situation and make good choices.
DC Superior Judge Neal Kravitz ruled three years ago that Wright incompetent to stand trial and Nowak and Phillips argued that from a cognitive standpoint Wright is in the same position. They also stated that the doctor the prosecution chose to assess Wright went out of his way to mention laughing or good times with others to make the defendant’s approach toward investigators seem calculated to fool them..
Nowak and Phillips also stated that board games like Trouble and Chess are typically played by children and not a clear indicator of Wright’s competency. They presented a transcript from Wright’s high school. During his senior year he had a GPA of 0.75.
Judge Park requested additional time to review all the evidence presented to him before making a competency finding. Parties are expected to reconvene on Aug. 29.
