Judge Orders Competency Evaluation for Murder Suspect

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 18, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a defense motion for a mental competency hearing for a murder suspect on Aug. 18.  

Stephon Shields, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting death of James Samuels, 58, in an incident that took place on June 2 on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE

According to records filed with the court, Shields went to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment building demanding to know, “Who the f**k in your house?” Then Shields allegedly confronted his ex-girlfriend’s fiance in his apartment and the two got into a struggle.  In the heat of the argument, Shields reportedly shot Samuels many times.  Police counted 22 wounds in Samuels’ body including one in his penis. 

During the hearing Shields’ attorney, Sylvia Smith, asked for a mental competency hearing for her client and that a stay aware order in place for “Witness 1” in the case be lifted.

Over prosecution objections, Judge Brandt lifted the stay away order from the witness, who was in the courtroom, and after conferring with a social worker from the DC Public Defender Service had no issue with Brandt’s decision. 

Smith also mentioned a potential plea agreement in the case but offered no details.

The hearing to determine if Shields is competent to stand trial is scheduled for Aug. 25, giving time for doctors to evaluate his mental state.