Judge Releases Defendant to Outpatient Services

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 20, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge found a defendant incompetent to stand trial, releasing him to receive outpatient mental health services.

David Dowdell, 64, was charged with simple assault on April 6, but was released with a citation. He was also charged with threats to do bodily harm and assault on a police officer on July 10, at which time he was held in DC Jail.

After the defendant received a forensic psychology examination, DC Jail recommended that Dowdell be transferred to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, for competency restoration efforts.

The prosecution and the defense objected to the jail’s request, but agreed with the finding that the defendant was not competent.

Counsel said they believe outpatient mental health services would be the best option. Defense attorney Gregg Baron also pointed out that his client’s age made him more vulnerable to COVID-19, in which the spread of the virus at the DC Jail has concerned many.

A representative from DC Jail said the defendant has refused to take his medication. But, Dowdell said he only refused his medication because it had given his mother gallbladder disease. 

After Dowdell told Judge Jonathan Pittman he would comply with release conditions, Judge Pittman decided to release him on his promise to return to court for his next hearing. Dowdell’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16.

Judge Pittman also ordered Dowdell to check in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week, and admonished him to connect with outpatient mental health services.

Judge Pittman said he released Dowdell because his cases are not likely to go to trial soon due to the COVID-19 pandemic.