Judge Orders Another Competency Evaluation for Murder Defendant

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A DC Superior Court judge ordered additional screening to determine if a homicide defendant is competent to stand trial.

John Woods, 67, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the Feb. 19 shooting of 60-year-old Geno Freeman on the 6000 Block of Chillum Place, NE.

After a mental evaluation performed at DC Jail came back inconclusive in June, Woods was transferred to St. Elizabeths Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, D.C. Witness previously reported. He then received another evaluation at the hospital.

During the July 12 hearing, Judge Michael Ryan said he was unable to determine Woods’ competency based on the report from St. Elizabeths and ordered another evaluation.

Judge Ryan scheduled Woods’ next hearing for Aug. 12.

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