Judge Leaves ‘Competent’ Shooting Suspect in Mental Hospital 

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Donate Now

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt reviewed a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and ruled that a defendant with serious mental issues must remain hospitalized at St. Elizabeths despite being deemed mentally competent to stand trial in a hearing on Oct. 9. 

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful entry, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 12 on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

During the hearing on Oct. 9, his attorney Janai Reed told the court that although Wise was found competent, she is contesting the finding and wants to hire an outside expert to re-evaluate him. 

The prosecution requested that he be moved back to the DC Jail due to DBH needing more room at the hospital for treatment. 

Judge Brandt rejected the argument because Wise has a documented history of mental disorders, and although currently competent, he was only stabilized by drug treatment available at the hospital, not the jai

Parties will re-evaluate at his next hearing on Nov. 11.