Recording an Interview is an ‘Invasion of Privacy,’ Says Murder Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 16, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A murder defendant said recording a mental observation interview would be an “invasion of his privacy” during a status hearing, Dec. 16.

Daryl Thompson, who is also known as Darryl Tomkins, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, obstructing justice and threat to kidnap or injure a person  for his alleged involvement in the deaths of Edward Roberts Jr. and Tyler McEachern. Roberts, 29, was killed on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW on July 30, 2016. McEarchern, 23, was killed on the 3100 block of Beuna Vista Terrace, SE on Aug. 29, 2016.

Thompson said that he previously refused DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe‘s order to complete a mental competency exam because he felt as though the psychologists were “twisting his words to make him sound worse.”

He also said he was opposed to recording his competency exam interviews, which his attorney, Dana Page, suggested. Thompson said  he felt it was an invasion of his privacy to disclose information.

Judge Iscoe told Thompson that not completing the exam meant that the medical professional’s previous finding of incompetency would stand and Thompson may end up staying in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital, longer.

Thompson agreed to another exam that would not be recorded.

A status hearing is scheduled to occur on Jan. 3, 2020.