Tom Schad
LEESBURG, Va. — Elijah Bieniemy’s criminal case will continue after a psychological evaluation found him competent to consult with an attorney and understand the charges he faces.
The sealed competency report, filed Sept. 3, cleared an initial procedural obstacle in the case. Following Wednesday’s hearing, Bieniemy’s new attorney said the matter is moving forward because the evaluation determined that he is competent.
Bieniemy appeared by video during a brief proceeding in Loudoun County Domestic Relations Court. Jeff Mangeno, an attorney with the Virginia firm Dycio and Biggs, requested a 60-day continuance to review the case. Bieniemy was previously represented by a public defender, who had sought the mental health assessment before proceedings could continue.
In a court filing requesting the evaluation, public defender Lorie O’Donnell wrote that Bieniemy appeared to be experiencing significant mental health issues.
The evaluation’s findings were not addressed during Wednesday’s hearing. Mangeno later told reporters that the competency determination does not prevent his legal team from pursuing an insanity defense at a later stage.
Bieniemy, 27, faces several felony counts, including malicious wounding, in connection with the alleged shooting of his mother, Mia, at the family’s Virginia townhouse in late July.
Eric Bieniemy said last month that his wife was progressing toward a full recovery.
Elijah Bieniemy is scheduled to return to court Nov. 4.
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