Homicide Defendant Competent to Stand Trial

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On Feb. 13, a homicide defendant was found competent to proceed to trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing and shooting of 36-year-old Orlando Galloway on April 2, 2023, on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. An adult female victim was also found in the apartment suffering from multiple stab wounds, but survived.

At a previous hearing, Michael Bruckheim, Worthy’s defense attorney, challenged the mental competency of the defendant following a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report that stated he was competent to stand trial, so a new competency evaluation was requested.

The most recent report deemed that the defendant’s “factual and rational understanding of the facts of the case has only improved,” Judge O’Keefe read.

The defense accepted the findings of the report.

Worthy was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

All parties are slated to return April 12.

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