Judge Doesn’t Send Murder Suspect to Mental Hospital

By Hattie Saal [former] - August 3, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

In a mental observation hearing on Aug. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe decided against sending  defendant Huey Bandy to St. Elizabeths Hospital for in-patient psychiatric evaluation. 

Bandy, 52, is charged with first degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a 2022 stabbing of Orlando Murphy, 60. Bandy allegedly stabbed Murphy multiple times after being shown a video of Murphy sexually-assaulting Bandy’s pregnant daughter. The incident occurred on June 7, 2022 on the 3600 block of Brothers Place, SE. 

Bandy has undergone psychiatric evaluation at an outpatient facility but doctors have yet to diagnose his mental state. 

A report from a doctor at St. Elizabeths advised in-patient evaluation for Bandy. Bandy’s defense counsel objected to in-patient care, arguing that enrollment in St. Elizabeths would be “depriving from his [Bandy’s] liberty.” Instead, the defense asked the court to reconvene in 30 days for another mental observation hearing.   

Judge O’Keefe agreed and ruled against moving Bandy to St. Elizabeths.

Parties are slated to return to court on Sept. 11. Bandy will continue psychiatric evaluation at an outpatient facility until then.