After two postponements, defendant Jayquan Bridgeman, 26, pleaded not criminally responsible (NCR) to the first-degree of Michael Washington, 43 in a hearing on Jan. 28.
Bridgeman was also charged with having a deadly weapon with intent to injure during the same incident on the 1400 block of N. Central Ave. on Oct. 5, 2022. According to the statement of charges, Bridgeman stabbed Washington in the abdomen with a switchblade.
After allegedly assaulting him in his residence and telling Washington he was going to “kill him,” Bridgeman reportedly reached for his switchblade. The defendant returned to his mother’s house after fleeing the scene. However, police had already arrived at the location and he was taken into custody.
A report from a psychiatrist at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital determined that Bridgeman cannot be held criminally responsible for his actions meaning he does not have the capacity to appreciate the criminality of his actions or know right from wrong.
Judge Gail E. Raisin read from the report that Bridgeman suffers from two mental disorders – schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Bridgeman reportedly suffered from delusions, and hallucinations during the time of the incident, believing the victim was going to kill him.
After returning to the scene, Bridgeman told responders “I’m glad you all came,” a statement apparently consistent with the his belief that he was the victim. Nor was he reportedly able to engage with his mother in a meaningful way.
The defendant agreed to proceed with the NCR plea after speaking with his attorney, Isabel Lipman.
Judge Raisin asked if the victim’s sister would like to say anything to the defendant.
“I am sorry that he is going through that. If he would have got the help, he would not be where he is right now. My brother would be here,” the victim’s sister told Bridgeman tearfully. “I forgive you… I want you to get the help you need.”
Bridgeman will remain at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital and has been given 10 days to withdraw his NCR plea if he wishes to request a trial.
