DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ordered a carjacking defendant to self-report to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for mental competency restoration on July 13.
Demetrius Johnson, 27, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE, on Nov. 4, 2025.
At a hearing on May 12, Johnson was found mentally incompetent to stand trial following an evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). To stand trial, Johnson must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.
At the hearing, Johnson, who is on pre-trial release, appeared in court and parties discussed the DBH report that prosecutors had reviewed but Johnson’s attorney, Russell Hairston, had not. Both parties approached the bench to discuss the report’s contents under seal, which Hairston said indicated Johnson is now receiving his medication differently. The prosecution stated that it was unclear what prompted the change and if the new method would make a difference in his competency.
Judge Di Toro provided time for the defense to review the report requesting Johnson be hospitalized at Saint Elizabeths Hospital for competency restoration efforts.
Judge Di Toro said she wants to make sure that they are pursuing the safest way to restore Johnson’s competency. The judge gave Johnson until five p. m. on July 14 to self-report to the hospital. Judge Di Toro did not order Johnson’s treatment to be either in-patient or out-patient and explained it will be determined by the hospital.
Judge Di Toro allowed Saint Elizabeths 30 days to determine if Johnson’s competency can be restored. Most defendants eventually have their mental competence restored through treatment, according to a psychiatrist who has done extensive work for the DBH.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.
