Judge Requests Full Mental Evaluation for Homicide, Stabbing Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered a full mental competency evaluation for a suspect accused of both homicide and a stabbing defendant on Oct. 16.

On March 15, Raymond Avent, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins that occurred on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

According to court documents, video footage showed three suspects exit a vehicle, point guns at Hawkins, and fire multiple rounds. The suspects re-entered the vehicle and fled the scene. Later, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers canvassing the scene found 34 shell casings at the scene.

Avent is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution, and conspiracy, for his alleged involvement in a DC Jail stabbing on June 3, 2021 on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

Through a plea deal, Avent’s stabbing case will be dismissed at sentencing.

On Aug. 29, a week before his sentencing hearing, Elizabeth Weller, Avent’s defense attorney, submitted a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, stating that “Avent apparently struggles with some cognitive limitations and reading and verbal comprehension.”

Judge Okun ordered a full mental competency exam for Avent. Parties cannot proceed with the case until the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) provides results.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 4.