Judge Deems Murder Defendant Competent to Stand Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 3, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a status hearing, a District of Columbia Superior Court judge deemed a murder defendant competent to stand trial. 

Malik Hewitt, along with his codefendant Nyekemia Everett, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in 2017. According to court documents, Everett, 33, and Hewitt, 38, allegedly planned to rob Heard but shot him during the process.

On Jan. 3, the defense said they were not challenging a report that said Hewitt, 38, was competent. D.C. Witness previously reported that Judge Danya Dayson received a medical report that stated Hewitt is competent, understands his charges and is merely “malingering for secondary gain.” However, defense counsel requested an independent mental evaluation.

The prosecution also charged Hewitt with obstruction of justice during the hearing.

Hewitt and Everett also chose to waive their right to test evidence in the case. According to the prosecution, the government tested a revolver, water bottle, skull cap and a pair of pants and a jack, which apparently belonged to Everett.

Both men, who are being held without bond, are scheduled for a motions hearing on Feb. 8. The codefendants are slated to go to trial on March 4.