Judge Orders Murder Defendant Undergo 3rd Mental Competency Exam

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 2, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

In response to defense counsel’s request, a DC Superior Court judge ordered a third mental competency exam for a murder defendant.

Daryl Thompson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr. on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW on July 30, 2016, and Tyler McEachern, 23, on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE on Aug. 29, 2016.

During a hearing on July 1, Thompson, 27, spoke directly to the judge, objecting to the questions of his competency and asserting that the process is depriving him of his right to a speedy trial. Defense attorneys, Dana Page and Pierce Suen, told the told the judge that trial preparation has led to new concerns regarding Thompson’s mental health. The concerns were not discussed in open court.

Thompson also said his previous trial date, which was scheduled on Aug. 29, 2018, had been vacated for competency exams. He expressed fear that his trial would be moved again.

Judge Craig Iscoe ordered a new mental competency exam to take place on July 2.

Two previous exams ultimately found the defendant competent to stand trial after receiving treatment at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

A hearing is scheduled on July 3 to review the latest competency examination report.