Judge Denies Motion for Competency Hearing in Hit-and-Run Case

By Aubree Tomasetti [former] - September 26, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides |

On Sept. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on multiple motions, including reviewing the competency of a witness, in an ongoing 2020 homicide case.

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly committing a hit-and-run on 45-year-old David Farewell while he was riding his bicycle. The incident occurred on Sept. 4, 2020 on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE. 

While presenting evidence about a key witness’ mental health diagnoses, prior hospitalizations, and behavior during interactions after the incident, the defense argued she had demonstrated she was not competent and was being affected by mental illness at the time she was talking to officers.

This included the statement, “I’m having a panic attack.” 

The prosecution rebutted the argument saying that the witness’ panicky demeanor and her statement right after the incident were merely the result of experiencing something traumatic.

After hearing arguments from both sides the issue carried over into Sept. 27, when Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s motion to either exclude the witness’ testimony or hold a pre-trial competency hearing. 

Judge Raffinan ensured the issues defense had raised would be further explored during cross examination if needed. 

In addition, she granted the prosecution’s motion to admit audio from the body camera of the first responding officer, ruling it was admissible as excited utterances at the scene.

Judge Raffinan also granted the prosecution’s motion to admit portions of the 911 calls that she deemed admissible, under the same guidelines of the body camera audio. This included a statement from a witness with Farewell at the time of the accident, who said, “Oh God. They started CPR.”

In what was supposed to be the start of jury trial on Sept. 27, the defense claimed Beasley had not received his haircut they had requested on Sept. 13 and the jury could be prejudiced by his appearance.

Judge Raffinan granted their request and waived Beasley’s appearance for part of the hearing. 

The trial is expected to start Sept. 28.