The lawyer for a stabbing defendant said he intends to challenge his client’s mental competency finding in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Sept. 19.
Kenneth Garner, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Jan. 17, 2023, on the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE. One individual sustained life-threatening injuries.
According to court documents, Garner was found mentally competent to stand trial as long as he remains at St. Elizabeths Hospital receiving psychiatric treatment.
Defense attorney Janai Reed said an expert they hired to rebut that finding is not available to meet with and evaluate Garner until November. The prosecution had no objections to continuing the matter until an evaluation has been completed.
Parties are set to reconvene for a contested competency hearing on Jan. 17.
