A shooting defendant’s lawyer said the Department of Behavior and Health (DBH) requested an additional 15 days to complete his client’s mental competency evaluation in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 28.
Ky’lee Palmer, 25, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, malicious destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that killed Barron Goodwin, 60, on the 800 block of 51st Street SE. This incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2020.
To stand trial, a defendant must be mentally able to understand the charges against him and participate in his own defense.
At the hearing, Palmer’s lawyer, David Akulian, said the doctor from DBH doing Palmer’s evaluation needed an extra 15 days. The prosecution agreed but noted that Palmer is presumed competent under the law and should be prepared for sentencing.
Judge Brandt granted the request but stated that Palmer can’t avoid the evaluation in any way because she did not want this matter further postponed.
Parties are slated to reconvene on May 2.
