Defendant Found Incompetent for Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 10, 2020
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A defendant was found incompetent to stand trial July 10.

Derrell Taylor is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. He was detained at DC Jail, but was transferred to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, in April.

Taylor has experienced symptoms of mental illness, including delusions and depression. He also has an intellectual disability and is receiving services from the Department of Disability Services (DDS.)

I would like to “stop this cycling into the criminal justice system,” DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan said during the July 10 hearing.

He told the defendant that doctors would take one more opportunity to get him competent to stand trial, using a method designed to help intellectually disabled individuals gain competency.

Taylor allegedly assaulted a victim on the 800 block of 8th Street, NW by restraining the victim and holding a box cutter near his neck.

According to court documents, the victim, who managed to loosen Taylor’s hold, and a witness held the defendant down until Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived on scene. 

Staff at St. Elizabeth’s will make further efforts towards restoring Taylor’s competency throughout the next 30 days.

On Aug. 10, another hearing is scheduled to evaluate the defendant’s mental progress and determine what services he would need when he leaves the hospital.