After Defendant’s Outburst Judge Denies Mistrial in Stabbing Case

By Joseph Wolf - September 18, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a stabbing defendant’s motion for a mistrial following an outburst by the defendant before the jury on Sept. 17.

Tanade Warsame, 32, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on May 4 on the 600 block of I Street, NW. One person was injured.

Brandon Burrell, Warsame’s attorney, filed a motion for a mistrial following a rambling outburst by Warsame on the grounds it could prejudice the jury against his client.

During the episode, Warsame voiced his dissatisfaction with conditions at the DC Jail claiming there was drug dealing at the facility, and that he was mistreated by US Marshals at the courthouse. 

Judge Pipe and Burrell warned Warsame to stop multiple times, but he continued and was initially ejected but returned in the presence of his attorney.

The prosecution objected to the motion for a mistrial, arguing they had done nothing to provoke Warsame’s tirade. 

Judge Pipe agreed with the prosecution, and denied the motion.

Prior to Warsame’s outburst, the prosecutor argued that Warsame’s actions could not be considered self-defense because he was not in imminent danger, never asked for help from nearby officers, and fled the scene showing consciousness of guilt.

According to court documents, two officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were approached by the victim, who stated he was stabbed in a dispute over the sale of a 10 dollar hat. 

An officer, who testified on Sept. 16, stated the victim did not specifically name the suspect, but provided a description. Warsame was arrested shortly after, and the victim identified him from a photo.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.