Defendant Isn’t Competent to Stand Trial

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A DC Superior Court judge found a defendant facing simple assault and possession of a dangerous weapon charges incompetent to stand trial.

Deborah Pipkin is charged with simple assault for allegedly striking a victim with a walking cane on July 7 on the 1300 block of U Street, NW.

The preliminary competency exam was ordered on June 11. During the July 22 hearing, Judge Ronna Beck agreed to transfer Pipkin to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, where she will receive mental health treatment in an effort to restore her competency.

A hearing to evaluate her progress is scheduled for Aug. 26.