Judge Orders Mental Competency Evaluation of a Homicide Defendant 

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DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) request that a homicide defendant go through a full mental competency evaluation at the DC Jail on March 7.

Dayshawn Nolan, 22, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Antoinette Davis on July 3, 2022, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE. 

The court learned that a doctor from DBH was unable to determine whether Nolan was competent to withstand the July 2026 trial after a virtual competency screening. 

Nolan’s defense attorney, Christen Phillips, requested the doctor visit the defendant at the jail for a clearer perspective, and Judge Kravitz agreed. 

Phillips also requested to transfer the defendant to St. Elizabeths Psychiatric Hospital for a “calmer” environment in preparation for the second evaluation, but Judge Kravitz declined the request unless Phillips could get a doctor’s formal authorization for the transfer.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 4.