Judge Orders Competency Exam for Homicide Defendant Wanting to Represent Himself

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan reissued an order for a murder defendant to complete a competency test after failing to do so as required to represent himself, during a May 29 hearing.

Wonell Jones Jr., 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams on July 19, 2022, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. The victim had 52 gunshot wounds to her entire body.

Jones and Williams were alleged to be involved in a romantic relationship.

According to court documents, Williams and Jones had a history of domestic violence disputes. Williams made multiple statements to police and was granted several protective orders against Jones, the most recent of which was requested less than a month prior to the incident.

The parties previously met on April 25 during which Judge Raffinan ordered that Jones undergo two mental competency exams before granting his motion to represent himself due to a past report that determined Jones incompetent to stand trial. She also cited this was a requirement of all those wishing to represent themselves in court.

Jones failed to comply with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and he reportedly remained silent during screenings and interviews.

On May 29, Judge Raffinan stated she would rule on his motion once a mental competency exam was conducted by the DBH.

Parties are set to return June 26.