DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt deemed a shooting defendant mentally competent to stand trial based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) during a hearing on Feb. 28.
Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful entry, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 10, 2024 on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.
Wise’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, presented the court with Wise’s mental competency evaluation. Reed explained how an expert found Wise competent, and the prosecutor agreed with the evaluation.
Judge Brandt accepted the assessment and found Wise competent, allowing the court to proceed with the case. Additionally, Judge Brandt ordered that Wise be sent back to DC Jail and removed from St. Elizabeths Hospital, where he was detained during his psychiatric evaluation.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 28.
