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By
Varshana Ramnarine [former]
- December 18, 2024
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Shooting
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Suspects
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A shooting defendant was removed from the courtroom after multiple disruptive and obscene outbursts before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 13.
Joseph Evans, 57, is charged with kidnapping while armed, first-degree sexual abuse while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping and sexual assault on Sept. 23, 2012 on the unit block of K Street, NE.
According to court documents, a gun was discharged during the incident.
“I was fabricated into this case, it’s a hoax,” said Evans. In addition to his intrusive remarks Evans made sexually explicit gestures during the proceeding.
The defendant is being held at Saint Elizabeths Hospital for mental patients in anticipation of his trial in February.
During the hearing, Evans repeatedly stated that he hadn’t committed a crime, and that he was “unlawfully detained and taken advantage of.”
Evans stated he wanted his own witnesses, regardless of what the defense scheduled. Evans’ defense attorney, Andrew Ain, warned him about on the record conversations that could be held against him.
As the outbursts continued, Judge Brandt warned Evans about his language and to let his lawyers do their job.
Judge Brandt then informed the court that another judge will be sitting for the trial.
The defense requested Evans be referred to the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) given his mental state during trial. The judge agreed, to “keep this [trial] from falling off the rails.” The prosecution reminded the court that Evans was previously found competent to stand trial.
Judge Brandt stated that she would request another mental competency evaluation if it was determined Evans was not on his medication. The prosecution said his outbursts aren’t a basis for a mistrial because he would be “creating a mistrial for himself.”
Ultimately, Evans was removed from the courtroom by US Marshals
Judge Brandt stated that “Today something was off, I can’t put my finger on it,” maintaining that she will consider another competency hearing when she hears back from DBH.
Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 18.