DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a shooting defendant to undergo a mental competency evaluation before allowing him to represent himself in the case on March 30.
Christopher Wise, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
These counts stem from Wise’s alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE on June 10, 2024. The victim sustained nine total entry and exit gunshot wounds.
Judge Brandt stated that picking a trial date has been delayed because Wise wants to represent himself dismissing his attorney, Darryl Daniels.
Before agreeing, Judge Brandt requested the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) do a mental competency to represent oneself evaluation. Even if they determine Wise is competent to represent himself, Judge Brandt insisted that Wise is “not going solo” and will have an advisor at trial as he is “still not a lawyer.”
To stand trial a defendant must show enough mental competence to understand the charges and help his attorney.
While selecting a trial date, Judge Brandt instructed the parties to look at their 2027 calendars. Wise was clearly angered by this delay and Judge Brandt told him that due to the court’s busy schedule, the ”trial will happen in 2027” and “not a moment sooner.”
Prior to trial, parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 6 for a status hearing.
