Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Keirah Chen
- March 25, 2025
Court
|
Daily Stories
|
Shooting
|
Suspects
|
Victims
|
The defense called on an expert witness in adult and forensic psychiatry to discuss a defendant’s competence to stand trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 21.
Darryl Thompson, 35, also known as Darryl Tompkins, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, obstruction of justice, and threats to kidnap or injure a person.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the death of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr., who was shot and killed on July 30, 2016, on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. He’s also charged for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Tyler McEachern, which occurred on Aug. 29, 2016, on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.
At the last hearing, a psychiatrist from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), who had evaluated Thompson multiple times, stated that Thompson was not mentally ill but had antisocial personality disorder, which may lead to impulsive behavior without regard for safety. However, the psychiatrist maintained that this did not render Thompson incompetent to stand trial.
In Friday’s hearing, the defense’s witness disputed the diagnosis, asserting that Thompson had symptoms consistent with delusional disorder. Having followed the case since 2021, it was the witness’s opinion that Thompson is unable to rationally help his counsel due to his lack of understanding.
During hearings in 2021, Thompson interrupted his counsel several times and disclosed privileged information after being told not to. The expert witness said he could not diagnose Thompson as he has never personally and directly evaluated him but stated Thompson is “likely incompetent” and cannot stand trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene on March 28.