Defense Says Jail Stabbing Defendant ‘Cloaked in Innocence’ During Trial Opening

By Emily Reed [former] - June 6, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

In opening arguments before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro’s courtroom on June 5 the defense claimed a stabbing suspect is “cloaked in innocence.”

Antoine Donvell Johnson, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The incident occurred on Jan. 15.

Both parties agreed that the victim would not be testifying in the trial and they would instead rely on eyewitness testimony and the video footage.

According to the prosecution, video footage from the DC Jail depicts an individual, identified as Johnson, in a physical fight with the victim with Johnson throwing the first punch. Officers went to the scene and used pepper spray to control the situation. The victim was found with multiple stab wounds, in his arms, stomach, face and sustained very large gash on his head. He was treated in the jail infirmary.

Both parties agreed that the victim would not be testifying in the trial and they would instead rely on eyewitness testimony and the video footage,

The prosecution stated that throughout the trial, the jury will see video footage of the fight, a knife thrown, and officers running to the scene as well as the victim’s blood “spilling onto the floor,” and covering his clothes.

Matthew Rist, Johnson’s defense attorney, reminded jurors that “the Constitution cloaks [Johnson] in innocence” even when incarcerated and that he will hold the jury to its promise of impartiality.

He requested that the jury pay attention to the body language of the victim who made a “visible gesture” when Johnson entered the hallway and “aggressively confronts him” before the fight occurs.

Rist also described a third inmate that approached Johnson and the victim while fighting who looked like he was “holding something in his pocket.”

Finally, Rist stated that Johnson had no motive to harm the victim and only acted in self-defense.

Parties will return June 6 to begin presenting evidence and witness testimony.