Defense Will Contest Homicide Defendant’s Competency Determination

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On Oct. 13, defense attorneys for Stephon Shields alerted the court they were planning to contest the results of a competency test by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Shields, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 58-year-old James Samuels. The incident occurred on June 2 on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE.

According to court documents, Shields went to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment building demanding to know, “Who the f**k in your house?”. Then Shields allegedly confronted his ex-girlfriend’s fiance in his apartment and the two got into a struggle. In the heat of the argument, Shields reportedly shot Samuels many times. Police counted 22 wounds in Samuels’ body including one in his penis.

On Oct. 12, following a request from Shields’ attorney, Sylvia Smith, for a mental competency exam, DBH shared a forensic inpatient services report.

According to DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, the doctor at DBH that evaluated Shields found him competent to withstand trial.

Smith stated she had concerns about the report, arguing that, although they concluded he is competent, he clearly stated he didn’t understand the trial process, the role of the attorneys, witnesses, and judge, all of which, Smith argued, are “strikingly concerning”.

She also argued it is concerning they found him competent when he has discussed having auditory and visual hallucinations.

Smith alerted Judge Brandt they are planning to contest the report and requested additional time to find an expert that can evaluate Shields.

Smith also requested Shields continue in detention at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to ensure that he remains stable and receives the medical treatment he would not get at the DC Jail.

Prosecutors deferred to the report, arguing that the doctor’s found him competent and it is not necessary to continue holding him at St. Elizabeth’s. They argued he should be sent back to the Department of Corrections (DoC) and if they deem it necessary for him to be held in the medical unit, that’s what they can do.

“This is very interesting,” said Judge Brandt, making an observation that this is one of many different mental evaluation reports that have mixed conclusions.

Judge Brandt stated she would continue to hold Shields at St. Elizabeth’s until the defense’s expert is able to interview him, but that if St. Elizabeth’s argues he needs to be removed because he was found competent, they’ll “need to have a tough conversation” about his confinement location.

Smith stated Shields had written a letter to the court, which she did not immediately have available, requesting he be released under home confinement. According to Smith, in the letter, Shields stated he is willing to comply with any conditions of release, and will request to read the letter in person at the next hearing.

Judge Brandt told Smith to file a motion for bond review with the letter to allow the prosecutors to file a response. They will be discussed at the next hearing.

Parties are expected back Nov. 17.

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