Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 24 Months, All but Three Suspended

By Vivien Williams [former] - June 6, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

A stabbing defendant has been sentenced to 24 months with all but 3 months suspended by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on June 6.   

Raeshell Lanier, 24, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for her involvement in a stabbing that occured on July, 15, 2023, on 1900 block of 9th Street, NW. Two individuals sustained injuries from the incident, with one victim being stabbed more than a dozen times and another being slashed across the face.

On March 8, Lanier accepted a plea offer that required she plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.  

At sentencing, the prosecution requested Judge Okun sentence her to 18 months of incarceration, followed by a year of probation. 

Lanier’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, asked Judge Okun for a probationary sentence, citing her young age and lack of criminal history. He added that she was provoked and scared during the incident. 

Judge Okun admitted difficulty in passing sentence, stating that “a certain level of self defense was warranted,” but the number of times the victim was stabbed was not .

“Incarceration would be deeply detrimental to Ms. Lanier,” said LoGerfo, adding that “she is going to lose everything, her job and her home.”

However, Judge Okun said that a completely probationary sentence would be inappropriate given the severity of the crime, and imposed the 24 month sentence, with all but three months suspended.  

Lanier was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young individual’s conviction once they have successfully completed all sentencing requirements. 

No further dates were set.