Jerrell Powell’s defense opposes statement of competency

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 20, 2017
Homicides | Suspects |

In court on Friday, Jerrell Powell’s counsel rejected a Mental Competency Restoration Report that said he was competent to stand trial.

Powell was arrested in August of 2016 for the alleged murder of Antoine Danell McCullough in July.

Jeremiah Jordan was also arrested and charged for McCollough’s death and is scheduled for trial next year.

Both Powell and Jordan are being held without bail and are being charged for murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The two have pleaded not guilty.

Though their trial has already been set for July of next year, Powell has been undergoing mental observation and is staying at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. The prosecutor presented the report that he is competent to stand trial in court, and defense counsel requested that an independent expert be hired to do another examination. Judge Zoe Bush granted this request, and Powell will continue to stay at St. Elizabeth’s while both parties prepare for the agreed hearing.

Powell is set for another mental observation hearing on March 23, 2018, and his trial along with Jeremiah Jordan’s is set for July 31, 2018.