A homicide defendant objected to a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found him mentqlly incompetent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 3.
Marcus Barringer, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, six counts of possession of large capacity ammunition feeding device, two counts of obstructing justice, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The charges stem from Barringer’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Rashad Davis at the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE on May 6, 2022. Davis sustained three gunshot wounds to his throat and torso.
Judge Kravitz read a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report that Barringer is mentally incompetent to stand trial and needs to psychiatric drug treatment. DBH recommended Barringer remain at Saint Elizabeths Hospital the therapy.
To stand trial, Barringer must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.
“Slightly predictable, he is incompetent,” the prosecution said, in response to the DBH report.
The parties requested Judge Kravitz order DBH to do a cell evaluation of Barringer at the DC Jail.
“I wanted to object…I am competent,” Barringer said. Barringer entered the courtroom carrying an armful of papers stacked thick in a manila folder.
Barringer continued, claiming that he had been involuntarily medicated after being physically attacked by other patients. He said the medication caused “physical trauma and allergic reactions.” Barringer also accused detectives of committing perjury.
Additionally, Barringer submitted a written motion from his claims requesting his release on GPS monitoring.
When scheduling the next hearing, Lisbeth Sapirstein, Barringer’s attorney, shared that her schedule is filled with trials. Barringer, frustrated, accused Saperstein of taking cases to make it difficult to proceed with his case.
“[You are making it] inconvenient for me because I do not want to be incarcerated and you are giving [the prosecution] more time,” Barringer said.
Judge Kravitz, having heard Barringer speak for the majority of the hearing, interrupted and said “Sir, I need you to stop interrupting. You have done a lot of talking already. You need to let me think and speak.”
Judge Kravitz then denied Barringer’s motion for release due to the seriousness of the offense and his extensive record of violent and weapons related offenses. He agreed to order the cell evaluation.
Parties are slated to reconvene on May 15.
