Doctor Says Homicide Defendant Made ‘Unsophisticated Attempt to Appear Mentally Disordered’

By Mia Febles - April 5, 2024
Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On April 5, a homicide defendant was ruled mentally competent before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. 

Deonte Spicer, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW. The incident occurred at a bus station.  

During the hearing, Judge O’Keefe alerted the parties that a doctor from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) had found Spicer to be mentally competent to stand trial. 

According to the evaluation, Spicer made an “unsophisticated attempt to appear mentally disordered” as he was “motivated by evading criminal proceedings.”

Spicer requested new counsel on the basis that he believes his current defense attorney, Russell Hairston, is trying to “sabotage” his case. 

“My faith and trust is gone,” Spicer stated. 

Judge O’Keefe argued, “it’s a little premature,” arguing that his case has not been indicted and a preliminary hearing is yet to be held. As a matter of course, Judge O’Keefe denied Spicer’s request for new counsel. 

“I can and will do my job effectively,” Hairston stated. 

Parties are slated to return on April 30 for a preliminary hearing.