Judge Finds Defendant Mentally Incompetent to be Sentenced

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 14, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a defendant convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, accessory to second-degree murder and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence cannot be sentenced because he is incompetent.

Joshua Massaquoi was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the shooting of 21-year-old Michael Francis Taylor on June 22, 2008, on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW. He pleaded down to his current charges in March 2020.

Massaquoi, 33, was awaiting sentencing in home confinement until March 2021, when a bench warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, where he is currently being held. 

During the June 14 hearing, Judge Marisa Demeo ruled that Massaquoi is mentally incompetent to proceed to sentencing after reading a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). However, the judge also said there is a “substantial probability” that he will become competent in the near future.

She ordered that he continue receiving mental health treatment.

Judge Demeo scheduled another mental observation hearing for July 19. 

A jury found Mason Binion, 34, guilty of first-degree murder while armed in connection with Taylor’s death in February 2020. He is currently waiting to be sentenced. Victor Carvajal, 34, was also charged with first-degree murder while armed, but his case was later dismissed.

Lizzie Brennan wrote this article.