Defense in Homicide Case Moves to Have Defendant’s Mental Competency Re-Examined

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On Sept. 22, Wonell Jones Jr’s defense team declared their intent to have his mental competency re-evaluated.

Jones, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 33-year-old Audora Williams. The incident occurred on July 19, 2022, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

At a previous hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan stated that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) had found Jones competent. However, the preliminary screening, also done by DBH, found Jones incompetent.

Due to the discrepancy, the defense plans to have his competency evaluated once again.

If the defendant is found incompetent during the hearing, he will be committed to psychiatric care until deemed competent enough to stand trial.

According to court documents, Jones has a history of domestic violence and allegedly threatened Williams on multiple occasions before she was killed. Williams is survived by her five children, two of which are Jones’ kids.

The parties will reconvene Jan. 9, 2024.

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