Judge Warns Defense Attorney Stabbing Case Will Go on With or Without His Client

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in an Aug. 1 hearing, told a stabbing defendant’s attorney he must warn his client the case will continue without him if he won’t come to court.

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 non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Oct. 4, 2022, on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Holman’s arraignment was scheduled for the proceeding but it didn’t happen.

According to the court’s docket, for the past five months, the court has been trying to arraign Holman, but have failed because of reported medical issues or refusing to leave the jail.

At the hearing, Holman’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, alerted Judge Okun that Holman was not present due to unexplained medical issues.

Both parties agreed to hold Holman’s arraignment through a video call from the DC Jail.

In lieu of that the prosecutor requested US Marshals use reasonable force in getting Holman to come to court.

The prosecution also noted if Holman attends the first day of trial, his presence can be waived for all other hearings and the trial could proceed without him.

Winograd requested an evidentiary hearing to determine why Holman is not attending court. He stated Holman has issues with his treatment at the DC Jail.

Judge Okun expressed concern about Holman’s refusal to attend court but wouldn’t use force to make that happen. He plans to investigate the matter but noted the case will proceed one way or another.

Parties will reconvene for another try at an arraignment on Aug. 16.