Judge threatens to Waive Defendant’s Presence If He Misses Court Again

By Thomas Hinton [former] , Emily Reed [former] - July 15, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

A stabbing defendant’s refusal to attend a July 11 court hearing after numerous failures to appear could result in a written order by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to waive the defendant’s presence at future proceedings.

Rubin Holman, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 4, 2022, on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

At the hearing, US Marshals alerted Judge Okun that Holman did not appear due to a medical issue.

According to his defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, Holman has not appeared in court for several months now due to refusal or medical issues.

Winograd also stated that the chances of Holman failing to appear at the next hearing are high.

Judge Okun agreed to issue a written notice to Holman outlining the consequence of waiving his presence if he continues to be intentionally absent from his court hearings.

He stated that if Holman does not voluntarily come to the next court hearing, his presence will be waived for future hearings.

According to court documents, Holman was seen attempting to steal merchandise from a convenience store, but was confronted by somebody who saw him. He reportedly threw the merchandise back into the store and left, but returned shortly after and threatened an employee with a knife. He then stabbed the employee in the neck with the knife, who survived the incident.

Parties are slated to return July 23 for arraignment.