Judge Transfers Murder Defendant from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to DC Jail

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A DC Superior Court judge ordered that a murder defendant be transferred from St. Elizabeth’s hospital, DC psychiatric institution, to DC Jail.

Vaughn Alexander Kosh iss charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 38-year-old Alayna Howard on Dec. 7, 2019, on the 1700 block of Capitol Avenue, NE. 

Two other people were also injured in the shooting. 

The 49-year-old defendant is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and assault with intent to kill while armed in this case.

On Jan 24, Kosh was found mentally incompetent to stand trial and inpatient competency restoration was ordered. On June 4, an order was filed  finding the defendant competent. 

During  the Dec. 16 mental observation hearing, Judge Michael Ryan ruled that there is no basis to keep Kosh at St. Elizabeth’s. 

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.