Defense Asks for More Time Before Competency Reevaluation

By Natalie Note - September 23, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

A defense attorney requested a felony status conference postponement to allow more time to decide if the defendant needs a full mental competency screening in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Sept. 20. 

Christopher Cary, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of one victim in the lower back on Feb. 29 at the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW. 

Cary did not appear because he refused to allow US Marshals to transport him to court from the DC Jail. His appearance was waived by Janai Reed, his attorney. 

Reed requested the felony status conference postponement because she needs to more time to speak to Cary and review the evidence obtained through discovery from the prosecution. Reed said that although Cary was found competent to stand trial in April, he was deemed incompetent in prior findings. 

Reed informed the court that she wants more time to decide whether to file a motion to have Cary reevaluated for competency. She suggested a hearing “just to be safe” which Judge Pasichow denied. 

Reed also mentioned that she is in contact with the prosecution about a potential plea offer but the terms were undisclosed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 11.