‘This Has All the Hallmarks of a Mental Health Crisis,’ Judge Says of Fatal Stabbing

By Audrey Staudacher , Mia Febles - February 22, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 22, parties gathered in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe for a preliminary hearing in a fatal stabbing case.

Brittany Gaylor, 32, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of assault with intent to kill while armed for her alleged involvement in the murder of her father, 70-year-old James Gaylor. The incident occurred on the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW, on Feb. 10. James succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 11. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, officers were approached by Brittany at the intersection of North Capitol Street and P Streets, NW. She allegedly told officers she had stabbed a man inside a residence on the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW. J

James was found inside the residence by officers, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries.

Brittany waived her right to a preliminary hearing. Her defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, then asked Judge O’Keefe to set bond for Gaylor.

The prosecution opposed this, stating that they had “great concern” of escalation in this case. 

They cited an incident that occurred on Feb. 8, in which James called the police, claiming that his daughter had allegedly stood over his bed holding a knife, saying, “I’m going to kill you before you get the chance to kill me.” 

On the night of Feb. 10, James was found alive, but suffering from apparent stab wounds. “My daughter stabbed me,” he told officers. 

The prosecutors also claimed they had spoken to some of Brittany’s family members, who expressed concerns over her mental health. These factors led the prosecution to believe that if she was released back into the community, this would not be an isolated incident.

Baldwin stated that, prior to this incident, Brittany had no other criminal offenses and no mental health record. He argued that this was a targeted and isolated incident, so no escalation would occur. 

He also claimed that Brittany had supportive family members who were willing to house her if she was released.

In response to the parties’ arguments, Judge O’Keefe raised concerns over Brittany’s mental health.

“This has all the hallmarks of a mental health crisis,” he said. 

He denied Baldwin’s motion to set bond, and ordered a preliminary screening to determine Brittany’s competency to stand trial. 

All parties are slated to return Feb. 29.