DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt approved an additional mental competency evaluation for a defendant on July 7 based on his alleged involvement in stabbing a police officer.
Ian Zephyrin, 45, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in stabbing the individual, causing significant bodily harm on June 24 near the 600 block of Florida Avenue, NW.
The defendant also faces a misdemeanor charge for theft and unlawful entry at a nearby CVS Pharmacy nearby which occurred just before the assault.
Zephyrin’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, stated that the defendant is pleading not guilty to the charges and requested a trial. He was also granted more time to prepare due to the new evaluations.
A mental competency evaluation conducted before the hearing was inconclusive, with a recommendation from the overseeing physician for further evaluation at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital. Both parties agreed, leading Judge Brandt to sign an order for evaluation.
A person must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges he faces and help his lawyer.
The prosecution indicated that they had extended a plea offer to the defendant, and plan to keep it open for the defense until the next hearing. The terms of the deal were not discussed in court.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 20.
