WASHINGTON – The man charged in a fatal stabbing on a D.C. Metro train was ordered Friday to undergo a full mental health evaluation after the results from a previous test were deemed inconclusive.
Jasper Spires, 18, was charged with first-degree murder while armed. Police accuse him of stabbing a man to death on a Red Line train July 4 at the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station, in Northeast.
Spires was ordered to undergo a mental health assessment in July. But after that exam, there were lingering questions over whether he was competent to stand trial.
During a Friday hearing, Judge Robert Morin ordered a more thorough evaluation. Spires is due back in D.C. Superior Court on Oct. 9, when the results will be discussed.
Prosecutors allege that Spires stabbed 24-year old American University graduate Kevin Sutherland more than 30 times during an attempted robbery.
Spires’ attorney Antoini M. Jones claims his client was misidentified by witnesses. In a brief interview with WTOP following Friday’s hearing, Jones said he believes Spires “was not involved” in the incident.
Spires will remain in jail for the full mental health evaluation.
