Judge Deems Homicide Defendant Competent

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On Nov. 21, following an evaluation and report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt deemed a homicide defendant competent to proceed with his case.

Terry Thompson, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 64-year-old Christopher Callahan on May 15 on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

On Oct. 31, a DBH doctor authored a report which found that, following evaluations for Thompson, he was found competent.

Pierce Suen, Thompson’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Brandt they are not planning to contest the findings, and are prepared to set new dates in the matter.

Although Thompson is competent, Suen requested he continue to be detained at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, arguing they should prioritize his continued competency as the matter proceeds.

Judge Brandt agreed, and ordered Thompson continue to be held at St. Elizabeth’s.

Parties are expected back Jan. 24, 2024 for a preliminary hearing.

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