DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean deemed a stabbing defendant competent to stand in a hearing on Oct. 3, following a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).
Anthony Nowlin, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that wounded a juvenile in the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station, located on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW, on Aug. 26.
During the hearing, Judge McLean reviewed a DBH report indicating that the defendant is competent, but may qualify for substance abuse treatment.
Defense attorney Derrick Page requested a substance abuse evaluation and asked if it was possible to order it through the jail. Judge McLean responded by saying she would email the jail to see if an assessment is possible.
In order to stand trial, a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 3.
