On July 23, a carjacking defendant appeared before DC Superior Judge Laura Cordero in mental health court after receiving a positive report for compliance with her release conditions.
Kaprice Steward, 27, is charged with carjacking and unauthorized use of a vehicle after she tried to take over a Metrobus and caused a collision with another bus at the 1100 block of the Howard Road, SE at the Anacostia Metro Station on Sept. 15, 2025.
In her March 12 hearing, Steward was transferred to Mental Health Community Court, special division dedicated for defendants with serious mental health conditions who are charged with certain misdemeanor or low-level felony offenses.
Steward accepted a deferred sentencing agreement on May 21, where a defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a chance to fulfill certain requirements and delay their sentencing. If Steward successfully completes the requirements, the prosecution can dismiss her case.
At this hearing, Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) was able to confirm that Steward is still overall compliant with her release conditions after testing positive on July 15 for EtG, a byproduct of ethanol, meaning the defendant was exposed to or consumed alcohol.
Judge Cordero recommended Steward seek grief counseling after the recent loss of her great grandfather.
“Focus on strength and do what would make him proud,” Judge Cordero said.
Steward also has consistent meetings with her community service worker and regularly attends intensive outpatient program groups as well as being complainant with efforts to improve her life.
Judge Cordero recommended Steward discuss with her doctors if she can get medication injections once a month and it’s one less thing for her to worry about.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 20.
