Parties discussed the results of a long-awaited criminal responsibility report for a double homicide defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Aug. 4.
Ronzoni Jackson, 26, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of brothers Osmine Quintano, 35, and Octavio Quintano, 28, on Dec. 12, 2023, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.
Judge Edelman ordered the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to perform a criminal responsibility examination for Jackson on Oct. 24, 2025. A criminal responsibility evaluation determines a defendant’s mental state at the time of an offense and whether they can be held legally responsible for their actions–in other words, whether he knew right from wrong when the crime was committed.
After 10 months, parties finally received the criminal responsibility report from DBH. In court, Judge Edelman summarized the report, stating that while Jackson has pertinent mental health history, he would still have been conscious of his alleged actions at the time of the incident.
Jackson’s responsibility for the crimes he is accused of was “not prevented by substantial mental illness,” Judge Edelman said.
In addition, Jackson’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, filed a motion to withdraw from the case on July 27. The action was based on a disagreement between Jackson and Simmons regarding litigation strategy, which Simmons claimed led to a deteriorated attorney-client relationship.
After discussion under seal, Judge Edelman noted “I don’t see that there’s a breakdown in the relationship,” that would warrant Simmons’ removal.
Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 13.
