DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a mental competency examination for a homicide defendant at the request of his attorney on May 1.
Rico Barnes, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 40-year-old Syed Hussain on Feb. 11 on the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Hussain died from blunt force trauma and ligature strangulation, meaning tying something around the victim’s neck.
Alphonso Walker, 39, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the same incident.
According to court documents, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) responded to a report of smoke detection. When they arrived, they extinguished a small fire and found Hussain bound at the wrists and ankles by neckties.
According to court records, Carrie Weletz, Barnes’ attorney, filed a motion on April 15 requesting a forensic competency screening for her client. To stand trial, Barnes must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.
At the hearing, Judge Kravitz apologized for the delay in the order. When Weletz filed the motion, Judge Kravitz said he was on leave and it “fell through the cracks.”
Judge Kravitz ordered a preliminary competency screening for Barnes and parties scheduled a mental observation hearing for May 12.
A preliminary hearing for Barnes and Walker is also scheduled on June 2.
