One co-defendant pleaded not guilty in a non-fatal stabbing case, while DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel ordered a mental competency test for the other suspect on June 26.
Nathaniel Patten, 33, and Antoine Turner, 32, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for their alleged involvement in the stabbing of another inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Dec. 30, 2025. The victim survived the incident but sustained injuries to the chest and head.
After speaking off the record with Turner and his attorney, Anthony Damillo, Judge Israel ordered a preliminary forensic screening for Turner to determine mental competency, postponing his arraignment. She asked that Turner take talking to the doctor seriously, saying “it would help a lot to see how you’re doing.” To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer.
Patten was then indicted on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed. Patten’s attorney, Ferguson Evans, stated that Patten pleaded not guilty to both charges. Evans requested a speedy trial and asserted Patten’s constitutional rights.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 7.
