Defense Warns Judge of Threatening and Illegal Behavior of WebEx Viewers in Homicide Case

By Isabella Quink [former] - April 19, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Defense attorney Dana Page interrupted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe during an April 19 hearing to discuss threats and disrespectful behavior by WebEx viewers apparently sympathizing with the victim.

Bobby Jordan, also known as Hilman Ray Jordan, 46, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the murder of Jawaid Bhutto, 64, on March 1, 2019, on the 2600 block of Wade Road, SE.

Page stated that prior to a routine judge transfer, people connected to Bhutto were caught taking photos, attempting to record court hearings, and threatening judges and attorneys on social media.

Judge O’Keefe reminded viewers it was illegal to do those things.

The defense requested a so-called short order continuing a criminal responsibility evaluation. Judge O’Keefe granted that request.

Criminal responsibility evaluations are a review of the person’s mental status at the time they committed the alleged offense and if the person who committed the crime can be held accountable by law. 

These evaluations differ from competency evaluations that determine a defendant’s competency to stand trial. 

According to one witness, Jordan suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, citing auditory delusions as the symptom that most frequently impairs his ability to form rational and logical thoughts.

He was found mentally competent to stand trial in a prior hearing.

The next hearing discussing these results is scheduled for June 16.