DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno concluded that a stabbing defendant was competent to proceed to trial after parties reviewed results from a mental health evaluation Nov. 5.
Rhonda Fleming, 58, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE, on Oct. 2. The victim sustained stab wounds to his shoulder.
According to court documents, the victim and Fleming were reportedly engaged in a verbal dispute regarding money. Fleming then allegedly stabbed the victim in the left shoulder.
Judge Salerno granted Fleming a temporary release from the DC Jail on Oct. 20 with electronic monitoring so she could visit a family member in the hospital. Fleming failed to return to court as required twice and Judge Salerno issued two separate bench warrants.
At an Oct. 30 hearing, Fleming’s defense counsel Howard McEachern, raised concerns regarding her mental competency, and the court ordered a forensic mental health evaluation.
At the hearing, Judge Salerno stated that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) evaluation concluded Fleming was competent to proceed, meaning she understands the nature of the charges against her and can assist her attorney in her defense. Parties did not dispute the DBH finding.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 20.
