Miscommunications have Exacerbated Concerns for Client, Attorney Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 5, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

A competency hearing for a murder defendant was found to have been scheduled in error after the clerk found out that a doctor’s report wouldn’t be ready until the next day.  

Twenty four year-old Aaron Smith is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing his father, 60-year-old Edward Smith.

Defense attorney Laura Rose  said there have been substantial holds for competency hearings since the pandemic has started.

She said these holds, frequent miscommunications have occurred throughout the case and the delay in the report has exacerbated her concerns for her client. 

Rose said she already had significant concerns about Aaron’s safety and ability to improve his competency with his placement at DC Jail, given his mental health history. 

A screening to determine Aaron’s competency was ordered on Feb. 24.

On Feb. 12, Aaron was found on the 2100 block of 36th Place, SE suffering from an apparent stab wound. After questioning Aaron, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers also found Edward suffering from multiple stab wounds in a nearby apartment, according to court documents. He was pronounced dead on scene.

According to DC Courts, Smith is scheduled for a hearing on July 21.