Judge Finds Homicide Defendant Competent to Stand Trial, Denies Release

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During a mental observation hearing on June 23, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found a homicide defendant competent to stand trial.

Rasheed Young, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of 26-year-old Cedric Rogers on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE. 

According to court documents, on June 11, 1996, Rogers was playing basketball with friends on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE when he was shot four times. Witnesses reported that Rogers was the only one targeted. 

Judge Okun denied Young’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley request for Young’s release from the DC Jail. 

After Judge Okun’s denial, Mosley requested Young be placed in the mental health unit of the DC Jail.

Mosley said Young believed he was placed in a program to make him complaisant. The defense attorney said that despite telling the defendant he was not placed in any type of program, Young continued to say he was put in a program to be complaisant.

Judge Okun accepted the request and said he will send a recommendation to the DC Jail. 

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 27.