Homicide Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

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On Nov. 3, following the recommendation from a report written by doctors at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo deemed a homicide defendant competent to stand trial.

Chad Hawthorne, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Antonio Bassett on May 22, 2017, on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Parties received a report from DBH on Oct. 26, in which doctors state he is competent. Following the parties’ acceptance of the report, Judge Demeo deemed Hawthorne competent to stand trial.

Prosecutors filed a motion to delay the trial date that was previously set, stating that both prosecutors are unavailable for the Jan. 16, 2024, jury trial date.

Judge Demeo granted the motion to delay the trial, and a new trial date was set for February 27, 2024.

Parties are expected back for a motion and trial readiness hearing on Dec. 13.

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