DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered a mental competency exam for a homicide defendant on Aug. 4.
Necho Taylor, 35, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Joshua Foxworth. Foxworth was found dead in a bathtub on July 8 on the 800 block of Barnaby St., SE. Foxworth sustained puncture wounds to the left side of his body and died from blunt force trauma to his face.
According to court documents, witnesses reported to police that Taylor has a history of mental health and substance abuse issues.
Witnesses state that Taylor claimed Foxworth allegedly attempted to sexually assault him and said that he had to “fight for my life.” Witnesses also reported that Taylor was concerned that no one would believe someone tried to assault him in this way because he is “crazy.”
In court, Taylor’s attorney, Terrence Austin, requested an initial screening for Taylor to determine if he is mentally competent. To stand trial, Taylor must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.
The request was met with no objections, and so Judge Edelman ordered the mental competency evaluation.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 13.
