By Rebecca Newsham
alexandrianews.org
With trials set to begin for the three men charged with murdering cab driver Khalil Siddiqi, two entered guilty pleas and one is undergoing a competency examination.
Siddiqi was found shot to death in his cab on January 17. The three defendants were arrested and charged with murder, robbery and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Today, Alexandria Chief Circuit Court Judge Donald Haddock ordered City resident Akeem Chappell, 17, to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. Chappell is charged as an accessory to Siddiqi’s murder.
Joshua Moore
“Mr. Chappell, I would hope that you would agree to this examination and would speak openly with those who are conducting it so that I can determine whether you are able to assist with your defense or to accept or enter a plea in this case,” Haddock said.
The other two defendants, Joshua Moore, 18, and Jamal Berry, 20, entered guilty pleas in this case on June 26. Moore, identified as the shooter, plead guilty to charges of first-degree murder, robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a murder. Under Virginia law, first-degree murder carries a penalty of 20 years to life. Moore, who is from Prince George’s County, will be sentenced on August 18.
Jamal Berry
Berry, identified as the driver of a getaway vehicle, plead guilty to charges of second-degree murder, robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a murder. Under Virginia law, second-degree murder is punishable by a sentence of five to 40 years in the penitentiary. Robbery is punishable by five years to life, and the firearm charge is punishable by a mandatory term of three years. Berry, a 2007 T.C. Williams graduate, will be sentenced on August 20.