Parties Wait For Competency Evaluation, Judge Grants Continuance

By Sofia Feigelson [former] - July 9, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

Due to awaiting a defendant’s competency evaluation and its results, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian granted a defense’s motion for continuance on July 9.

James Petticolas, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a male victim in the back on May 10 on the 1400 block of North Capitol Street, NW. According to court documents, Petticolas was in a store and got into an argument with the victim, who was an employee of the store. Petticolas left the store and reentered with a knife, and shortly began chasing the victim as he was attempted to flee.

The victim suffered a laceration to the lower left side of his back, which appeared to be about 12 to 13 centimeters in length and about 3 centimeters deep, documents state.

At the hearing, Marnitta King, Petticolas’ defense attorney, waived her client’s presence and requested a continuance as she waits for a competency evaluation to be completed on her client.

According to a July 7 letter, a clinical psychologist from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) at Saint Elizabeths Hospital attempted to conduct an evaluation on Petticolas, but stated Petticolas declined to participate and wanted to speak with his attorney. 

The psychologist requested a continuance to allow time for a “thorough competency evaluation to be conducted.”

The prosecution did not object to the defense’s request.

King also mentioned that she is waiting to discuss a plea offer with her client that had previously been offered by the prosecution. Details of the plea offer were not disclosed in court.

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 1.