NEW ORLEANS — Thursday, the man accused of setting a house on fire with his three kids still inside- was attacked by a fellow inmate.
Joseph Washington was in court Thursday morning as he was evaluated by doctors after Judge Nandi Campbell ordered a competency hearing.
Washington was taken back to chambers with his lawyers and doctors and they reemerged after about 30 minutes. The competency hearing will evaluate whether or not Washington is mentally fit for trial.
"A defendant can’t be forced to trial if he doesn’t understand the nature of the proceedings against him or if he’s unable to assist the counsel in his defense," Dane Ciolino, Loyola Law Professor, said. "The standard is the same whether it’s a misdemeanor or a heinous mutli-murder first degree homicide case like this... It’s not a very high bar but it is a bar that’s set by the United States Constitution."
If Washington is deemed incompetent the proceedings will be paused. Judge Campbell ordered his next court appearance April 11. The doctors are expected to have their reports on his competency by then.
After his appearance, while Washington was being taken back to the Orleans Justice Center, he was assaulted by another inmate, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. They say he's being evaluated for injuries.
Washington's girlfriend, Shanyka Phillips is also facing charges as she's accused of helping him escape after the deadly fire. Phillips is charged with accessory to first degree murder and aggravated arson. According to court documents she has not bonded out of jail.
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