The defense in a homicide case said they’re working on gathering records to file an insanity argument before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on March 20.
Lamont Stephenson, 51, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and cruelty to animals for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 40-year-old Natina Kiah, and the killing of her cat on March 6, 2019 at the 5000 block of D Street, SE.
Stephenson’s attorneys, Sara Kopecki and Jonathan Lanyi, initially indicated their intention to file insanity defense in September 2025 before Judge Edelman. However, Kopecki stated they are still gathering documents to support their argument before filing a motion. To be ruled insane, or not criminally responsible, a defendant must be unable to distinguish right from wrong or behave according to the law.
Kopecki stated they have sent in medical records and psychologists’ reports so far, which Judge Edelman received.
Kopecki asked for the trial date in September to be vacated, due to the time required to find Stephenson’s medical records from different jurisdictions and organizations.
Prosecutors argued against the change in trial date, which has already been delayed once. The prosecution also noted while they do not want to push Kopecki and Lanyi to trial in September, they see no reason to delay it.
As a result, Judge Edelman ruled in favor of the prosecution and kept the trial date for Sept. 28. However, he set a deadline for Kopecki and Lanyi to file an insanity motion on May 13. Judge Edelman stated that he would change the trial date if the defense goes through with the insanity defense.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 10.
