Neal Augenstein, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – The man charged with murdering a Denver tourist and hitting two other people in the head with a hammer is due in court Friday morning for a mental evaluation.
Michael Davis is charged in the death of Gary Dederichs. The 66-year-old was found dead in an alley April 24.
Court documents released Thursday show Davis has a history of mental health issues.
Last year, in an application for emergency hospitalization after Davis’ family and teachers reported being afraid of him, he was tentatively diagnosed with schizophrenia, and reported auditory and visual hallucinations.
A witness told police in the week before the Petworth attacks Davis asked him several times where he could buy a gun. The witness provided a suggestion, although it’s unclear whether Davis ever purchased a firearm.
The same witness reports Davis has used PCP. It’s unclear from the document how recently that happened.
In addition to murder, Davis is charged with two counts of assault with attempt to kill while armed.
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- Police: Tourist’s beating death may be related to other assaults
- 19-year-old suspect arrested in Petworth attacks
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