Suspect in stabbing death of Richmond musician incompetent to stand trial

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The man accused of killing a Richmond musician in November was found to be incompetent to stand trial.

Twenty-three-year-old Devonte Knott cannot be put on trial until he is declared competent, which could take months. He's being charged with the murder of 45-year-old Joseph Hunt.

Hunt was known in Richmond as a talented singer and guitarist, and could often be seen busking on the streets. The local music community mourned after Hunt was found by Richmond Police with a stab wound, and died later at a local hospital.

According to court documents, a witness said on Nov. 18 he invited Hunt and Knott to his home on North Thompson Street to "smoke weed and play music." The witness said Hunt was playing guitar when Knott stood over him and began stabbing him.

Richmond music community mourns musician Joseph Hunt

Knott was arrested the following night on a warrant for second-degree murder. Police said that arrest involved a SWAT team, and tear gas had to be deployed before Knott surrendered.

Court records show he was indicted for first-degree murder on Dec. 10. He is being held without bail.

"It's often the case that in that kind of situation, the government will place a charge of second-degree murder because they've got to do something to get people into custody and hold people," 8News legal analyst Russ Stone said.

"Then as the investigation proceeds," Stone said. "If they begin to develop evidence that suggests premeditation [or] willful deliberateness, then the charge can be elevated to first-degree murder."

On Dec. 15, Knott appeared in court via video call. The Commonwealth's attorney confirmed to the judge that an ordered medical evaluation found Knott is incompetent to stand trial.

Stone said this means Knott does not understand the charges against him or cannot help his lawyer with his own defense.

"Essentially the case gets put on hold," Stone said. "It doesn't go away, but you can't proceed on it either, until that person has been restored to competency by a mental health professional."

Stone said that process could take months, and it's possible Knott could never be declared competent. In that case, he could be hospitalized for the rest of his life.

Knott's second-degree murder charge was dismissed 'nolle prosequi' on Dec. 15. His first-degree murder charge will move forward. He is due in court again on Dec. 16.