Judge Orders Mental Competency Evaluation for Teen Accused of Multiple Carjackings

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno ordered a mental competency evaluation for a carjacking defendant during an Oct. 16 hearing.

Dontrell Davis, 17, is charged with multiple offenses, including theft of a vehicle, armed robbery, and armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in multiple incidents that occurred in September 2023.

According to court documents, these incidents include the theft of a vehicle on Sept. 1 at the 1900 block of 2nd Street, NE; an armed robbery on Sept. 3 at the 3800 block of 9th Street, SE; an armed robbery on Sept. 10 at the intersection of 18th and Erie Streets, SE; an armed robbery on Sept. 11 at the 1200 block of Savannah Street, SE; and two armed carjackings on Sept. 11 at the 3300 block of 4th Street, SE and the 2900 block of Erie Street, SE.

A preliminary mental competency evaluation was requested during the Oct. 16 hearing, as both parties expressed concerns about Davis’ ability to understand court proceedings and assist in his defense due to his age. Davis is being tried as an adult under Title 16.

Judge Salerno noted that a complete evaluation was necessary.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 22.