Judge Orders Mental Assessment for Homicide Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a mental health evaluation for a homicide defendant, following his defense attorney’s request during a Jan. 17 hearing.

Gerald Brevard, 33, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, five counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, three counts of carry pistol without license outside a home or business, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, two counts of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault, mayhem, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction for a crime of violence, and destruction of property less than $1,000.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in three incidents, including the death of 54-year-old Morgan Holmes by shooting and stabbing on March 9, 2022, on the 400 block of New York Avenue, NE. Brevard is also accused of a drive-by shooting on March 3, 2022, on the 900 block of Mount Olivet Street, NE, that left one person injured, and a shooting on March 8, 2022, at the intersection of 17th and H Streets, NE, that left one person injured.

During the hearing, Steven Kiersh, Brevard’s attorney, requested Judge Kravitz order a competency evaluation, stating they believe Brevard may not be mentally competent to stand trial by participating in his own defense.

The prosecution did not object, but asked Judge Kravitz to implement a deadline for the defense to file a motion for not guilty by reason of insanity.

Judge Kravitz granted the defense’s request for a competency evaluation.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 24.