DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro paused a jury trial and ordered a mental competency hearing for an assault defendant who requested to represent himself for the remainder of the case on Oct. 21.
Christopher Samuels, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SW on Sept. 3. One individual was injured.
During the second day of trial, Samuels requested to represent himself, or proceed ‘pro se’, claiming that his defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, was not adequately representing him. In response, Judge Di Toro ordered a mental evaluation to determine if Samuels was competent enough to proceed pro se.
After evaluating Samuels, a clinical social worker testified indicated he had a “thought disorder,” meaning that Samuels could talk about the court proceedings, but his explanations didn’t make sense.
Based on these findings, the analyst recommended Samuels complete an outpatient competency evaluation administered by a psychologist and psychiatrist.
Judge Di Toro ordered Samuels to complete a competency review. Based on results, parties will determine whether the trial will resume with the same jury, which was dismissed until Oct. 27, or start an entirely new trial.
Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 24 to discuss the evaluation results.
