Defense attorney Sellano Simmons told the court on Aug.1 that he is working toward an insanity defense for the suspected murderer of two brothers in a case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.
Ronzoni Jackson, Jr., 24, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of 28-year-old Octavio Quintano and 35-year-old Osmine Quintano on Dec. 12, 2023, at a liquor store on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE. The suspect was initially identified through distinctive facial features captured on surveillance footage.
Jackson was found mentally competent to stand try in an assessment made by the DC Department of Behavioral health in March, 2024. The law requires that a defendant be mentally competent enough to understand the charges he faces as well as participate in the case with his lawyer. Otherwise, he can’t stand trial.
However, Simmons argued that Jackson needs to undergo more competency testing from behavioral specialists and expressed the hope that in September he will be in a better position to present an insanity defense at trial, which is set to begin Feb 9, 2026.
Judge Edelman urged Simmons to complete competency testing by early September.
Simmons responded that he doesn’t know if that timeline will be feasible given the available experts but he will try his best.
The prosecution said they have conducted DNA testing of some pieces of evidence, while others won’t be tested.
The defense chose to waive their right to independent DNA testing.
Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 12.
