Defense attorneys for a fatal stabbing suspect said they are considering the possibility of an insanity defense before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Sept. 12.
Lamont Stephenson, 50, is charged with first-degree murder and cruelty to animals for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Natina Kiah, 40, and the killing of her cat on March 6, 2019 on the 5000 block of D Street, SE.
Defense attorney Sara Kopecki told Judge Edelman that the defense has a psychologist to evaluate if Stephenson can use the insanity defense, meaning Stephenson didn’t know right from wrong, nor was able to control his conduct in the moment. Kopecki also requested medical records for the psychologist to review.
Kopecki has until Dec. 10 to decide if they will use the insanity defense.
Parties are set to reconvene Dec. 12.
