Before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 25, the defense claimed a neuropsychologist determined a homicide defendant was not mentally competent when he accepted a plea deal.
Jose Hernandez, 19, was previously charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 29, 2025. Zephaniah Wright, 19, was fatally shot and a second victim was injured outside the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Another victim was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.
An agreement Hernandez accepted on Jan. 8 requires him to plead guilty to second degree-murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault.
Hernandez’s co-defendant Jayden Wells, 19, faces the same charges as Hernandez in addition to possession with intent to distribute more than a half pound of marijuana. Wells pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on June 25.
Court documents allege the shooting was the product of an ongoing feud between the rival Columbia Heights Village (CHV) and Kennedy Street (KDY) crews or gangs. The defendants are reportedly associated with CHV, while Wright and the two other victims are allegedly associated with KDY.
At the hearing, parties discussed that Hernandez was scheduled for two mental competency screenings, on June 8 and 10, which he refused. These screenings are administered by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to determine Hernandez’s ability to understand the charges brought against him, as well as his ability to help in his defense. Hernandez’s attorney, Mani Golzari, said he is confident and Hernandez will comply if another screening is ordered.
Golzari also alluded to a letter filed by a neuropsychologist that established Hernandez has “serious cognitive limitations” that prohibit him from standing trial. According to Golzari, the neuropsychologist found Hernandez not competent to stand trial nor competent to have accepted the prosecution’s plea offer.
Judge Ryan advised Golzari that “it would be sensible and informative” for him to make the report available to the DBH. The judge also ordered another screening for Hernandez to be performed before the parties reconvene.
The prosecution asserted that they are not concerned Hernandez will be deemed incompetent to stand trial. They also established that they are ready to move forward with the trial if the defendant decides to withdraw his guilty plea.
Judge Ryan explained that there will be a different set of concerns if the screening leads to a withdrawal of the guilty plea.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 10.
