Results of Murder Defendant’s Competency Evaluation Inconclusive

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Donate Now

A DC Superior Court judge ordered another examination to determine if a homicide defendant is competent to stand trial after the results of his first examination were inconclusive.

Derrick Kearney, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 26-year old Devonte Speight on April 29, 2020, on the 1800 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

His 25-year-old co-defendant, Daquan Anglin, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with Speight’s death. Two juveniles were also arrested.

During the June 10 hearing, Judge Neal Kravitz said that a full examination conducted at DC Jail was unable to determine if Kearney is competent to stand trial, but did state that he does not meet the criteria to be admitted to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

“It’s an unusual report,” said Judge Kravitz, “I don’t know that I’ve seen one like it.”

Judge Kravitz ordered another evaluation as well as additional competency restoration treatment to be done from the jail.

Kearney’s next hearing is scheduled for July 15.

Will Lawrence wrote this article.

Follow this case