Stabbing Defendant Declared Mentally Incompetent

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

Donate Now

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel deemed a stabbing defendant mentally incompetent to stand trial on Feb. 7, following reports from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). 

Michael Burke, 45, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, on April 16, 2024. 

According to court documents, the victim suffered a cut to the left side of his jaw for which he was hospitalized with the blade was still lodged inside his mouth.

Due to the finding, Judge Israel ordered Burke remain detained at St. Elizabeths Hospital to receive psychiatric treatment aimed at restoring mental competence.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 18.