Judge Orders Murder Defendant to Undergo Mental Health Treatment

By D.C. Witness Staff - April 1, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a mental observation hearing April 1, a DC Superior Court judge ordered a murder defendant to undergo a full mental health assessment as well as treatment.

Mason Binion is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 21-year-old Michael Francis Taylor on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW in 2008. Binion, 32, is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). Joshua Massaquoi and Victor Carvajal are also charged with Taylor’s death.

According to Judge Todd Edelman, a Department of Behavioral Health report concluded that Binion was incompetent to proceed to trial. As a result, Judge Edelman adjusted Binion’s conditions of release to include mental health treatment in addition to his current conditions, which includes drug testing, maintaining a curfew and wearing a GPS monitor.

The prosecution argued in favor of requiring the defendant to refrain from smoking marijuana in light of the report. Apparently, the report stated Binion smokes three to four “joints” a day.

Judge Edelman denied the request saying, he can only create restrictions if the issue pertains to the safety of the community or to ensure the defendant appears in court.

According to court documents, a witness told police that Taylor helped “broker a deal” between a drug dealer and a group of individuals, including Binion, Carvajal and Massaquoi, 31. Apparently, the group paid for marijuana but never received it.

Binion told police he supplied the gun and set up the murder. Massaquoi told police Binion shot Taylor and that Carvajal, 32, hit Taylor in the head with a rock.

Binion is scheduled for another mental observation hearing on May 7. Carvajal is scheduled for a status hearing on April 4. Massaquoi is scheduled for a status hearing on April 11.