DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan said he plans to release a murder defendant to a halfway house given concerns about her mental status on April 23.
Anna Hyman, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 63-year-old Robert Dent who sustained 55 sharp force injuries. The incident occurred on July 26, 2025 in an apartment complex at the unit block of Galveston Street, SW while Hyman’s two children were in the apartment.
According to court documents, Hyman claimed the victim was trying to rape her and she suffered lacerations to her hands and arms.
A report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) filed on Sept. 9, 2025 shows Hyman has a history of paranoia and potential delusional thinking. However, the report said social work documentation from Sept. 6, 2025 described Hyman as “stable and absent of any symptoms of psychosis, mood disturbance, or behavioral management concerns.”
The report found Hyman mentally competent to stand to trial, meaning she understands the charges against her and can assist her attorney in her defense.
Judge Ryan noted his “concerns about Hyman” regarding her “peculiar” health situation. He thinks the best course of action is sending her to a new, all women’s halfway house that will require the “significant restrictions on liberty” he plans to place on Hyman.
The prosecution asked to be heard, and Judge Ryan said they would discuss the matter further at the arraignment.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for arraignment on April 28.
