Psychiatrist Testifies Homicide Defendant Competent to Stand Trial

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A psychiatrist, who was called to testify following a murder defendant’s attorney’s contesting the doctor’s findings, deemed the suspect competent to stand trial on Sept. 9, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Darryl Tompkins, 35, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, obstruction of justice, and threat to kidnap or injure a person.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr. and 23-year-old Tyler McEacheren. Roberts was shot and killed on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 30, 2016. McEachern was shot and killed on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, Aug. 29, 2016.

A psychiatrist certified in adult, child and forensic psychiatry testified as an expert witness after conducting two competency evaluations on Tompkins. According to the psychiatrist, he conducted an interview with Tompkins in 2021, and one in 2023, which focused on health evaluations and reports from the DC Department of Corrections. The expert witness incorporated both evaluations into the testimony.

The doctor described the interview with Tompkins as a “pleasant, professional interaction.” During the interview, the witness deemed Tompkins competent, because he had a good factual understanding of the legal system and had the ability to rationally consider legal scenarios.

The prosecution argued that Tompkins is competent to stand trial because his beliefs regarding the trial and how his attorneys have handled his case are reality-based, not delusional, and he has a sufficient understanding of legal matters.

The defense, led by attorney Dana Page, focused on a competency evaluation from 2018, which found Tompkins mentally incompetent and led to a mental competency restoration. Despite the previous incompetentcy finding, the witness maintained Tompkins is currently competent, noting that Tompkins understood critical aspects of his case, such as the severity of the charges.

Due to time constraints, the doctor’s testimony was cut short.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 10.