Murder Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial

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A homicide defendant was found to be mentally competent before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Jan. 24.

Gerald Brevard, 33, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, two counts of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault, mayhem, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction for a crime of violence, and destruction of property worth less than $1,000 due to his alleged involvement in three incidents,

He is accused of allegedly shooting and stabbing 54-year-old Morgan Holmes on March 9, 2022 on the 400 block of New York Avenue, NE, committing a drive-by shooting on March 3, 2022 on the 900 block of Mount Olivet Street, NE which left one person injured, and a shooting on March 8, 2022, at the intersection of 17th and H Streets, NE which left one person injured.

On Jan. 21, Judge Kravitz ordered a competency evaluation for Brevard per the request of Brevard’s defense attorney, Stephen Kiersh.

During the hearing on Jan. 24, Judge Kravitz stated that the results of the screening from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Brevard mental;; competent to stand trial.

3Kiersh told the Court that they have decided not to pursue an exam for criminal responsibility and will move forward with the case.

Parties are expected to reconvene on June 20.