Judge Finds Basis for Competency Evaluation of Murder Defendant Deemed ‘Unrestorable’

By Rosie Rohrer [former] - June 8, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found a legal basis for ordering further competency evaluations of defendant Alisa T. Randall.

Randall, 35, has been charged with second-degree murder in the 2019 death of 59-year-old Ronald Jones, which occurred on the 1300 block of Euclid Street NW. On July 15, 2019, Randall allegedly stabbed and killed Jones following an argument.

On May 4, 2021, Randall was found incompetent to stand trial and “unrestorable” under the 1971 Supreme Court case Jackson v. Indiana.

Judge Raffinan heard arguments from the defense and prosecution on whether there was legal standing for the court to order further competency evaluations on Randall. 

In Jackson v. Indiana, the Supreme Court ruled that holding a defendant deemed incompetent for more than a “reasonable time” to see if they’re likely to become competent violates due process. 

Defense attorneys Ashley N. Prather-Guzman and Dana D. Page argued that, under this ruling, the Jackson finding made Randall permanently incompetent to stand trial. 

Prosecuting attorneys argued that there is no statutory limitation on further competency evaluations after a Jackson finding has been rendered. 

Ultimately, Judge Raffinan says the court the power to order more competency evaluations at any point during the criminal process.

Furthermore, Judge Raffinan said the statute which codifies Jackson v. Indiana into DC law does not preclude the court ordering further competency evaluations.

Judge Raffinan ordered prosecution and defense attorneys to prepare briefs on whether further competency evaluations should be ordered in Randall’s case. These briefs are to be filed by July 7.

Parties are expected to return on July 19 for a final decision on the matter.