Judge Orders Full Competency Exam for Murder Defendant

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A DC Superior Court judge ordered a full competency examination for a murder defendant during a mental observation hearing on June 18.

George Anderson, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 24-year-old Devin Butler on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW on June 13.

Judge Todd Edelman said that based on a forensic examination on June 17, a mental health counselor for the court “could not form a definitive opinion on [Anderson’s] competency for trial.”

There was no objection from counsel regarding the order for a full competency examination. Defense Attorney, Blase Kearney, requested that Anderson’s evaluation be performed at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital.

Judge Edelman also agreed that based off his first evaluation, Anderson should be in a “detained setting,” such as a hospital for his safety.

Anderson’s next mental observation hearing is scheduled on July 22.

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