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By
Yvianna Estrella
, Emily Nordberg - February 6, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a short continuance providing the defense counsel more time to respond to two additional expert witnesses to contest a mental competency finding by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Jan. 31.
Devonte Wright, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, cruelty to children, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Wright’s alleged involvement in the stabbing of a two-year-old on May 27, 2020, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
Wright has undergone dozens of mental health evaluations over the past five years that provided contradictory results. The defendant had initially been ruled incompetent with the possibility of restoration. That has since been changed to competent, but the prosecution claimed there was a lack of effort from the defendant in achieving restoration so he could stand trial
Christen Phillips, Wright’s attorney, previously alerted Judge Park of his intent to challenge the findings, and requested a short continuance of three to four weeks to have more time to speak with new experts that are expected to testify at the trial. The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the defense should have been prepared for any possible witness testimony. Nonetheless, Judge Park granted the motion.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 18 for another mental observation hearing.