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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- March 6, 2020
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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stabbing
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Suspects
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Victims
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A murder defendant, who has been in a restorative program at St. Elizabeth’s hospital for three and a half years is ordered to continue treatment.
Brandon Byrd is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing his father, Otis Byrd, 44, on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NW, on Aug. 10, 2016. Byrd, 24, had been ruled incompetent to stand trial, and has been a resident at the psychriatric institution.
During a mental observation hearing, Byrd’s lawyer, Craig Hickein, requested, on Byrd’s behalf, that he be remanded to jail so that he is no longer required to take medication. Byrd’s lawyer said, in a previous hearing, that Byrd did not like taking the medication because it made him feel sick.
Doctors at the hospital say Byrd has psychosis and schizophrenia, which makes it hard for him to engage in conversation and basic activities. The doctors said his mental state makes it hard for the defendant to understand the procedures of the court.
DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck said, despite Byrd’s requests, that experts said the defendant has made significant progress on the medication. She concluded that he should continue to be treated at St. Elizabeth’s and also receive cognitive behavioral therapy. She said he would have to continue to take medication, so that he can continue to make progress in attaining competence.
“Nobody’s disputing that he’s incompetent,” she explained.
Judge Beck scheduled a status hearing on July 10 to reevaluate the defendant’s progress.
Noa Donvan wrote this article.