A defendant charged in a fatal beating, formally waived his right to an insanity defense during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 2.
Walter Parker, 49, is charged with first-degree murder of a senior citizen, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and three counts of destruction of property less than 1,000 dollars for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 77-year-old Bernard Williams on the 400 block of M Street, SE, on April 23, 2025. Williams succumbed to his injuries on April 28, 2025.
Parker’s attorney, Howard McEachern, informed Judge Park that he would not proceed with an insanity argument. Judge Park placed Parker under oath to evaluate his competency and understanding of the law regarding insanity defenses.
Judge Park said that an insanity argument would require the defense to prove that, due to mental illness, Parker could not distinguish between right and wrong during the incident.
When asked if Parker wished to raise the insanity defense, Parker replied, “no.” Judge Park, confirmed that the waiver was made knowingly and voluntarily, noting that that the decision can’t be changed later.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 15.
