Murder Defendant Will Remain at Mental Hospital for Foreseeable Future

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 1, 2018
Daily Stories | Homicides | Post Disposition | Suspects |

On Nov. 27, a murder defendant waived his right to a hearing that would determine whether he is still mentally ill.

In October, Stefon Kirkpatrick pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for allegedly stabbing 22- year-old Julisa Washington on the 400 block of Chesapeake Street, SE in 2013.

According to court records, on the night of the murder, Kirkpatrick, 28, who was Washington’s boyfriend of five years, confessed to the murder. “I want to turn myself in. I did it. No more suffering, no more pain. All I want is one to the head,” he told an officer on the scene.

Kirkpatrick is currently being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, D.C.’s psychiatric hospital.

During the hearing, the defense waived Kirkpatrick’s right to a hearing that would determine whether or not he has regained competency. By waiving the hearing, the defendant also waived his right to petition the court for his immediate release from St. Elizabeth’s.

According to the defense and prosecution, a recent report from St. Elizabeth’s said Kirkpatrick is still a danger to himself and to others.

As a result, D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Morin ruled that Kirkpatrick will remain at St. Elizabeth’s until he is no longer deemed a risk.