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Matt Delaney


NextImg:D.C. carjacking suspect, 12, ordered to get psychiatric help

A D.C. judge on Monday ordered a preteen boy to undergo a short hospital stint after the 12-year-old was accused in a failed carjacking where his suspected accomplice, 13, was shot and killed.

The preteen boy, whose name isn’t being shared to protect his identity, was ordered to spend 21 days at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington.

Prosecutors said the boy defecated on the floor and spread it around while staying at the juvenile detention facility in Northeast.

The boy’s defense attorney said the preteen had been bullied by older teenagers at the facility.

During the boy’s initial hearing last week, his mother said that he’s had anger issues and has started using marijuana. She also said she recently tried to get the boy counseling.

Police said during his booking interview last week that the child knew where to get a gun.

The boy’s mother turned her son in on Oct. 31 after she saw his suspect photo published by Metropolitan Police.

Authorities said the preteen was with 13-year-old Vernard Toney Jr. on Oct. 28 when the two boys tried to carjack a driver at about 10 p.m. in the Penn Quarter neighborhood.

The driver turned out to be a U.S. marshal, who was waiting to start his security shift at a nearby federal building. 

The victim told police that the boys were holding their waistbands as if they had guns tucked away, so he pulled out his legally registered firearm and shot Vernard. 

Officers pronounced the 13-year-old dead at the scene. 

Police said no gun was found at the scene nor when they arrested the 12-year-old boy. The marshal has been cooperating with the investigation.

The preteen boy is due back in court later this month.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.