DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a full mental examination for a stabbing defendant on Feb. 19 after reviewing a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).
Sarita Middleton, 45, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1700 block of Columbia Road, NW, on Feb. 11.
According to court documents, the incident occurred while Middleton waited for food at a restaurant. An employee sustained minor lacerations to their arm.
The records say, an order for a preliminary screening to determine Middleton’s competency was filed on Feb 13.
During the hearing, Middleton’s presence was waived due to a delay at the DC Jail. Judge McLean determined that the defendant was deemed mentally incompetent by DBH, and ordered a full mental examination be done at the jail. To stand trial a defendant must understand the charges and help in his defense.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 1.
