Judge Orders Homicide Defendant Transferred From St. Elizabeths to Jail

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered a homicide defendant be transferred from mental treatment at St. Elizabeths Hospital to the DC Jail on April 4.

John Woods, 67, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 60-year-old Geno Freeman on the 6000 Block of Chillum Place, NE on Feb. 19.

Judge Ryan said that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) filed a motion arguing that there’s no reason for Woods to continue at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, as in-patient hospitalization is no longer appropriate due to their finding that Woods is competent.

Woods’ defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, argued that Woods’ competency would deteriorate if returned to jail. He said Woods experienced an acute psychiatric event when he was sent to the jail and was in that state for some time after being hospitalized. Mosley added that Woods is able to participate in group counseling programs at the hospital and the environment is overall more appropriate.

Judge Ryan acknowledged that it would be more convenient and less stressful for Woods to stay at the hospital. However, he said he does not have the authority to do so given that Woods has been declared competent.

Mosley requested to delay the decision for time to create a plan for Woods return to jail. He said that he has grave concerns about Woods’ mental fragility and would like the case to stay on track for trial.

Judge Ryan, again, denied this request and added that the relevant legislative statute does not give him the authority to keep Woods at the hospital.

Lastly, Mosley requested that Judge Ryan make a recommendation for hold at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF), instead of the high security Central Detention Facility (CDF), due to Woods’ mobility and medical concerns. Judge Ryan granted this request.

Parties are expected to return on May 30.