Mental health specialists testified that a stabbing defendant demonstrated severe psychological abnormalities before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park during a July 11 competency hearing.
Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, cruelty to children, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a May 27, 2020 stabbing of a 30-month-old child on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
The prosecution cross-examined a neurologist who testified in a previous hearing that Wright may not be competent to stand trial because of his diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorders, major depression and possible bipolar disorder. Wright also sustained a concussion around the time of the incident, which the witness testified could have impacted his memory and cognition.
He also testified that the threshold for competency to stand trial is low. According to the Department of Justice, the defendant must rationally understand the court proceedings and be able to consult with their attorney in order to be found competent.
The prosecution scrutinized the witness’ knowledge of the case, since he never personally evaluated Wright or talked with the doctors and nurses that treated Wright in the hospital. He testified that his expert opinion is based on medical records and nurses’ notes.
According to his testimony, Wright taught a doctor how to play chess, which the prosecution argued showed competency. However, the witness said that video games and chess do not require a high level of conscious thought.
During defense attorney Christen Romero Philips’ redirect, the expert said that the ability to play chess and competency to stand trial are not one and the same.
Another witness for the defense, a clinical and forensic neuropsychology expert, informed the court on the different symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and a lack of energy. He testified that while Wright has experienced hallucinations before, his main symptom is a lack of energy and “effort.”
The witness is also an expert on malingering, which he said refers to the intentional production or gross exaggeration of symptoms to achieve an outside goal or incentive, such as avoiding trial.
He does not believe Wright is malingering based on his review of reports from testing.
Philips also questioned the witness on Wright’s ability to play chess and how that relates to his competency. She referenced a famous chess player named Bobby Fischer, who was highly successful despite severe mental illness. The witness agreed that it is possible to play chess while not being competent to stand trial.
Parties are set to reconvene on July 21 to continue expert testimony.
