Will 3rd Mental Exam Solidify Murder Defendant’s Competency?

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 8, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

After three competency evaluations since being charged in 2016, a murder defendant’s mental health is still being contested. 

Daryl Thompson is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, obstructing justice and threat to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged involvement in the deaths of Edward Roberts Jr. and Tyler McEachern.

Roberts, 29,  was found shot on the 3500 block of 14th street NW on July 30, 2016. McEachern, 23, was also found shot on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace SE on Aug. 29, 2016. 

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe granted the defense’s request for Thompson’s third mental health exam on July 2, however, the exam was rescheduled to July 8. Defense attorney, Dana Page, said that due to reasons not stated in open court, she was obligated to make the request pursuant to a precedent that states that issues regarding a defendant’s competency for trial must be raised before the trial begins. 

Thompson’s next mental observation hearing is scheduled on July 9. 

In March of 2018, Thompson, 27, missed a hearing due to behavioral issues that resulted in making him ineligible for transfer to the courthouse. Thompson’s first forensic mental exam was ordered after the missed hearing. After analyzing the results, Judge Iscoe ordered a full competency examination even though the defense argued against the report’s conclusion.

The full competency exam took place in May of 2018. Thompson was found competent to stand trial.  

Two months later, the defense filed a motion for another forensics mental health examination. According to DC Courts, the examination resulted in Thompson being released to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for another full competency evaluation. 

Thompson was found incompetent for trial.

Even though the defense opposed the second exam’s results, Judge Iscoe ordered that Thompson be sent to St. Elizabeth’s for mental competency treatment. 

In November of 2018, after the treatment, according to DC Courts, Judge Iscoe found Thompson competent for trial. A date was set on  Oct. 7 2019.