DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld found a shooting defendant mentally competent on Feb. 23.
Bryant Russell, 48, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE on June 6, 2024. One individual sustained a gunshot wound to his arm.
According to court documents, the victim did not know Russell, claiming he’d been sitting on his porch when he was shot. Witnesses reported that Russell emerged from behind a building before threatening to kill himself. The victim allegedly told Russell to leave before a witness watched Russell enter a vehicle. That same witness then returned inside before they reported hearing gunshots.
Based on the most recent report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Dec. 11, 2025, a doctor found that Russell was competent. At the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld ruled that Russell was mentally competent and fit to stand trial. To stand trial a defendant must understand the charges and help in his defense.
The prosecution and Russell’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, both agreed with the DBH report and judge’s ruling.
The parties are slated to reconvene on March 23.
