Defense Requests to Cancel Next Hearing If Defendant Is Not Found Mentally Competent

By Hunter Fernandez [former] - January 30, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

In a status hearing on Jan. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein agreed to the defense’s request to cancel the next status hearing if a defendant is not found mentally competent. 

Daniel Simon, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Michael Jones. According to court documents, Simon allegedly beat Jones, 52, with a metal pole on the 200 block of 15th Street, NW on Jan. 4.  Jones suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Upon being interviewed by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives after detainment, Simon did not appear to understand the questions and his responses were unintelligible. The interview was terminated.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey motioned for a competency screening on behalf of Simon, which was granted and ordered earlier this week.

At Friday’s status hearing, Harvey also requested that the next status hearing be canceled if Jones requires further screening. 

Simon, who was not present at the hearing, is currently detained at the DC Jail and waiting for his competency exam.

The next status hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2 but is subject to change according to the results of Simon’s screening.