Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

A homicide defendant was deemed mentally competent to stand trial at a Nov. 8 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Wyatt Swan, 48, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an Oct. 1 fatal shooting of 53-year-old Teresa Francisco on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

Swan’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested a mental competency evaluation on Nov. 4, leading to this hearing during which a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report said Swan was competent to stand trial.

However, Baldwin hoped Swan would get an evaluation of his past mental health diagnoses.

Judge O’Keefe, agreed Swan will still receive an evaluation of his past mental health diagnoses through the services of an independent expert.

Baldwin also said he discovered Swan had not been receiving his medication at the DC Jail for weeks, so a medical alert to get Swan his medication would be issued.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 12.

No other organization can keep you informed about local crime cases that impact you. Help us add to our coverage and expand our help in your communities. Donate today.

Donate Now