DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered an additional mental competency evaluation for a vehicular homicide defendant during a hearing on Aug. 7.
Kyle Piunti, 37, is charged with second-degree murder and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the death of 54-year-old Michael Hamlin, who was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway I-295 on Jan. 3, 2024.
Judge Edelman said a report by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) concluded they were unable to evaluate Piunti’s mental competency due to his refusal to participate in the process.
To stand trial, Piunti must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.
Judge Edelman said that Piunti needed a competency evaluation to stand trial since he wants to represent himself. As a result, he ordered another evaluation and in-patient competency restoration at Saint Elizabeths Hospital.
“You declared me competent on May 29,” said Piunti.
Prosecutors clarified that Judge Edelman did not make any rulings about Piunti’s competency on that date.
Judge Edelman said on June 26 he explained in “great detail” red flags he found regarding Piunti’s mental competency.
Piunti said he did not receive any transcripts from previous hearings or any new evidence from the prosecution.
“I’m not a lawyer,” said Piunti and argued he did not know how to respond to the court without the case information.
Judge Edelman said he was concerned by the defendant’s repeated interruptions in court.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 18.
