D.C. Superior Court Judge Jason Park wants a shooting defendant to undergo further analysis of his mental state following a finding of incompetency during a hearing on April 24.
Rodney Whiting, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Antoine Pratt on Feb. 14 on the 3800 block of Jay Street, NE.
Judge Park ordered a full mental competency evaluation for Whiting before attempting to proceed with a trial. In order to stand trial a defendant must be able to understand the charges against him and assist in own defense.
Parties are slated to reconvene for another mental observation hearing on May 10.
