Shooting Defendant Found Incompetent to Stand Trial

By Sofia Feigelson [former] - June 5, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

In a mental observation hearing on June 5, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz addressed a defendant who was deemed incompetent to stand trial based on an evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Kevin Harrison, 23, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW.

According to court documents, in an interview with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, Harrison stated he was walking to a CVS store when a driver looked at him, turned his car around and came after him. The defendant stated he shot at the vehicle because he feared for his life.

At the hearing, Judge Leibovitz referred to a June 4 letter from the DBH which recommended a full competency evaluation of the defendant. 

On May 29, a forensic psychologist evaluated the defendant, with his attorney present, in a 50-minute interview.

According to the DBH letter, “It is the [forensic psychologist’s] opinion that Mr. Harrison lacks a factual understanding of the proceedings against him, as well as the ability to consult with counsel with a reasonable degree of rational understanding.”

Additionally, the DBH letter stated that Harrison presented “slow processing speed” and “reported experiencing recent hallucinations.”

After addressing Harrison’s health assessment, defense attorney Patrick Nowak requested for his client’s release conditions to be modified, advocating for a curfew to be enforced as opposed to sole home confinement under GPS monitoring. Harrison has been placed under GPS monitoring since July 3, 2023.

Nowak also added that his client would like to get a job.

Judge Leibovitz was unwilling to change most of Harrison’s release conditions beyond GPS monitoring, however, she granted him the ability to leave his home to participate in any activities related to a job search.

Parties are slated to return June 11.