Juvenile Accused in Metro Station Murder Declared ‘Incompetent’ to Stand Trial

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DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs declared that a juvenile murder suspect was currently “not competent to stand trial” in a brief hearing on Sept. 25.  The determination was based on a behavioral report from the Child Guidance Clinic, a part of the DC Court Social Services Division (CSS).

The 17-year-old boy is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Avion Evans on April 4.  

The incident occurred at the Brookland Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.  

During Wednesday’s hearing a CSS representative said the suspect will be required to take a six-week program through the clinic to restore his mental competency so he can understand what’s happening in court and assist in his own defense. Until that time he can’t stand trial.  

According to the clinic’s website, they treat “an array of cognitive, emotional and interpersonal problems in both community and secure settings.”  Among the services are court ordered mental health evaluations.

Meanwhile, the teen is maintaining “the highest level of compliance” while he remains in the custody of the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), according to the CSS representative. 

He said the competency classes are scheduled to begin next week and the clinic is to submit a final report to Judge Briggs.  

The competency hearing is set for Nov. 26