DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman deemed a homicide defendant mentally competent to stand trial on Oct. 10, based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).
Cory Heard, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Rodney Snead on Nov. 20, 2023 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.
During the hearing, Judge Edelman alerted the parties that a report from DBH stated Heard is competent to stand trial. Neither party had objections to the findings.
In order to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges and be able to assist his attorney.
Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 24.
