Judge Finds Murder Defendant Competent for Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 8, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a mental observation hearing May 7, a DC Superior Court judge declared a murder defendant competent to proceed to trial.

Mason Binion is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting death of 21-year-old Michael Francis Taylor on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW in 2008. Victor Carvajal and Joshua Massaquoi, 31, are also charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to Taylor’s death.

Despite receiving a competency report that said Binion, 32, was incompetent, Judge Todd Edelman said the report may have “confused his personality with symptoms.”

According to Judge Edelman, the report stated that Binion’s ability to consult with counsel was hindered by his current mental state. However, Judge Edelman said the competency report did not follow a standard procedure.

Both the prosecution and the defense said they are looking into hiring an expert who could speak to the competency matter. 

According to court documents, witnesses told police that Taylor was involved in a “botched” drug deal with a group that included Binion, Carvajal and Massaquoi. Apparently, the group paid for marijuana but never received it. A witness told police Taylor got into a vehicle with a group of people, including Binion, shortly before his murder.

Binion and Carvajal are scheduled for a status hearing on July 12 and trial on Jan. 21, 2020. Massaquoi is scheduled for a status hearing on July 12 before Judge Hiram Puig-Lugo. He has not been scheduled for trial as of May 10.