DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted the prosecution’s motion to involuntarily medicate a shooting defendant in an effort to regain his mental competency on Feb. 2.
Jonathan Jones, 39, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW, on Feb. 8, 2023. No injuries were reported.
According to court records, Jones was found mentally incompetent to stand trial by doctors at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on May 16, 2023.
According to prosecutors, multiple doctors assessed Jones and created a treatment plan, but he refused to take the prescribed medications. They said two doctors agreed with the treatment plan, claiming it would help Jones whether voluntary or involuntary. Although a third doctor claimed that involuntary medication was not appropriate in this situation. The prosecutors added that a less intrusive treatment was attempted, but was not successful.
At the hearing, prosecutors requested that Jones be involuntarily medicated for his diagnosed schizophrenia, which includes hallucinations. They requested medication to be ordered as soon as possible, citing the need to present time sensitive evidence in trial.
Jones’ attorney, Madhuri Swarma, requested extra time before the involuntary medication, citing Jones’ non-violent behavior during his detention at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Swarma said she might file an appeal but needed more time to review the prosecution’s request.
Judge Arthur granted the motion to involuntarily medicate Jones, but allowed Swarma to file an appeal.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 6.
