Judge Continues Mental Observation Hearing

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 28, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan continued a July 27 hearing to Aug. 7 to allow a defense attorney to challenge his client’s competency findings. 

Dominique Thurston is charged with second-degree burglary while armed, carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Thurston, 25, has been held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, since Feb. 12. The defendant was found incompetent to stand trial on Feb. 28, May 8 and June 29. 

A medical report filed on July 24 found the defendant to be competent “with some caution,” because of recently escalated mental issues. 

The doctor said Thurston had problematic behavior and refused medication periodically. He requested the defendant stay at the hospital for continued treatment.

Defense attorney Amy Phillips opposed the recommendation that her client was competent to stand trial.

Phillips said her client claims to know the victim, contrary to the prosecution’s statements. She said that either the prosecution has evidence to hand over, or the defendant remains delusional about the case. 

On Jan. 22, Thurston was found sleeping in the victim’s home on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW. A handgun was on a seat near him. 

The victim told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, “I don’t know him, I don’t know that man.”

Officers found the victim’s iPhone, portable charger, assorted cars, ear pods and a personal knife on Thurston.