A fatal shooting defendant wants to represent himself but was absent at another hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Sept. 22.
Deonte Spicer, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of greater than a year, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges derive from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023.
The incident occurred at a bus stop outside of L’Efant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW, where Monroe was killed by a gunshot wound to the temple of his head.
At the most recent hearing, an ascertainment of counsel, Spicer was not present for medical reasons. According to court records, Spicer was also a medical scratch and absent from his last two scheduled hearings on Sept. 4 and 14. Spicer last appeared in court on July 8.
Judge Park questioned Spicer’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, and asked if there were any updates with Spicer’s medical conditions and refusal to attend court.
Dorsey reported no changes but said, “He is difficult to work with,” and, “He wants to represent himself.”
Judge Park expressed the importance of Spicer attending court if he wants to represent himself, to comply with the process.
“He is not fit to represent himself,” Judge Park said.
Judge Park signed an order reiterating the importance of Spicer’s court presence. The order now awaits Spicer, and Dorsey reassured the judge of its delivery by Sept. 26.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 28.
