Murder Case Approaches Indictment

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A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a felony arraignment for a murder defendant as the case approaches indictment.

Jaykell Mason is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year-old Terence Dantzler on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW, on Feb. 13, 2020. The 22-year-old is also charged with assault on a police officer while armed in relation to the incident.

An April report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Mason competent to stand trial. Defense attorney Roderick Thompson objected to the findings and hired his own expert, who has since evaluated the defendant twice in 2021.

During the Nov. 29 hearing, Thompson asked Judge Milton Lee to transfer his client to St. Elizabeths hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution. He said Mason could meet with new medical experts regarding his mental competency at the hospital.

However, Judge Lee denied the request.

The prosecution said they will have an update regarding the status of the grand jury by the next court hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 7.

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