Psychologist to Assess Defendant’s Mental Competency

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On Aug. 27, a DC Superior Court judge allowed a defense attorney to use her own psychologist to review his client’s competency to stand trial.

Devonte Wright is charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed for allegedly stabbing a child on May 27 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, SE.

Judge Neal Kravitz deemed Wright competent to stand trial during the Aug. 27 hearing. He based his decision on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health that the court received on Aug. 19.

The defense attorney countered by asking Judge Kravitz for her own psychologist to review the 21-year-old defendant’s competency.

Judge Kravitz granted the defense’s request, so long as it can be completed within the next four weeks.

Wright’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24.

Wright was transferred from DC Jail to St. Elizabeths Hospital in early July, where he was been held ever since.

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