Attorney Claims Stabbing Suspect Acted in Self-Defense, Waives Preliminary Hearing

By Maggie Rhoads [former] - August 9, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

A stabbing defendant’s attorney insisted his client acted in self-defense as he waived his right to a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on Aug. 9. 

James Williams, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on Aug. 7 on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW. One individual sustained life-threatening injuries. 

According to court documents, Williams allegedly stabbed the victim in the back after getting into a verbal and physical altercation. The victim was later transported to a hospital and received emergency surgery. 

During the hearing, Williams waived his preliminary hearing rights. His defense attorney, Susan Ellis, said Williams acted in self-defense, adding that the only witness at the scene was not able to tell Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers who had started the fight.

According to Ellis, Williams has fractured ribs and an injury to his eyes caused by the fight. She requested he be released from jail.  

The prosecution disagreed stating Williams should be held in jail. They described the fight as a “heated” situation where the one witness had to run away and ask neighbors for help.

Judge Glover sided with the prosecution and said the defendant will be held. He also said in a case from 2010 involving a controlled substance, Williams did not comply with terms of release causing his probation to be revoked. 

Judge Glover said the self-defense argument extended by the defense can be heard at a different time.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 27.