DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found a homicide defendant mentally competent for trial on Sept. 23.
Rico Parker, 44, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Marcus Little on Nov. 13, 2023 on the 400 block of Ridge Road, SE. Little sustained a single gunshot wound to his neck.
Judge Dayson told parties that based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), she concluded that Parker is mentally competent to proceed to trial.
To be competent to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against them and be able to assist in their defense.
According to Judge Dayson, DBH found that Parker did not demonstrate any inability to understand the court procedures.
Neither the prosecutor, nor Parker’s attorney, David Akulian, objected to Parker’s competency finding.
Parker’s trial was originally set to start on Sept. 21, but Akulian requested to reschedule the trial for his co-counsel, Elizabeth Paige White, to be present. Thus, the trial was rescheduled for May 3, 2027.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5, 2027.
