Judge Grants Emergency Motion for Defendant’s Transfer

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 30, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge granted an emergency motion for a defendant’s transfer to Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution.

In March 2020, Joshua Ellis Massaquoi pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, carrying a pistol during a crime of violence and accessory to second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Michael Francis Taylor on June 22, 2008, on the 600 block of Farragut St, NW. 

The 33-year-old defendant was released into home confinement as he waits to be sentenced. However, on March 25, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. That same day, a medical alert was issued. D.C. Witness is not sure if the two are related.

During the March 30 hearing, Judge Hiram E. Puig-Lugo ordered a preliminary screening to determine Massaquoi’s competency.

The judge granted the defense’s unopposed emergency motion for Massaquoi to be transferred to Saint Elizabeth’s

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for April 8.

In February 2020, a jury found 34-year-old Mason Binion guilty of first-degree murder while armed in Taylor’s death.