Judge Rules Murder Suspect Competent to Stand Trial

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Donate Now

During a mental observation hearing Aug. 14, a DC Superior Court judge found a murder defendant competent to stand trial.

Juan Kibler is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 40-year-old Joseph Harris on the 2300 block of Green Street, SE on May 7. 

On June 12, Judge Ronna Beck ordered Kibler, 27, to undergo a full competency examination at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital. After reviewing the mental observation report, Judge Beck found Kibler competent to proceed to trial. A trial date has not been scheduled.

Neither party contested the findings of the report. The defendant is expected to be transferred from St. Elizabeth’s to the DC jail on Aug. 15. 

 

Follow this case