Mental Competency Exam Requested for Shooting Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered a shooting defendant’s transfer to St. Elizabeths Hospital to receive a full mental competency examination during a hearing on Sept. 23.

Bryant Russell, 47, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 6, 2024 on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

A mental competency exam for Russell was previously requested on Aug. 14. 

During the hearing, Judge Raymond revealed that the results of the exam were inconclusive and that it was recommended that Russell be transferred to St. Elizabeths for a full mental competency exam.

Judge Raymond ordered the transfer that said the court would wait 40 days to receive the results of the next evaluation. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 4.