Prosecutors Question Stabbing Defendant’s Failure to Call Police 

By Cameron Horne [former] , Kelsey Ball [former] - November 8, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Data | Domestic Violence | stabbing | Suspects |

“You had to stab her to defend yourself … including those seven stab wounds on her back?” the prosecution asked during cross-examination of a stabbing defendant in a Nov. 7 trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Devan Green Jr., 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, kidnapping while armed, kidnapping while armed against a minor, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed  and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a Sept. 19, 2023 stabbing incident on the 500 block of 58th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Green and the victim were in a romantic relationship. 

During the hearing, Green continued his testimony, describing the injuries he sustained from the incident as a “slice” on his hand, a stab on his neck, and an abdominal wound. He claimed to have treated them himself until his arrest on Oct. 20. Only then did Green receive surgery on his abdominal wound, suffered when the victim allegedly stabbed Green.

During cross-examination, Green maintained a consistent answer to the prosecution’s questions about stabbing the victim, consistently responding with “in defense, yes.”

The prosecution made note of the height difference between Green and the victim, claiming it would be difficult for the victim to pour water on his head, grab his dreads, or stab at his neck as Green had testified during direct.

Focusing on the night of the incident, the prosecution walked through the events, bringing attention to the numerous times Green could have left the apartment or called the police but never did.

Furthermore, Green never called the police or sought medical attention after the incident where Green allegedly sustained a serious injury to his abdomen. According to Green, the prosecution noted he was able to hide his injuries from family members he lived with for a full month before his arrest.

Prosecutors also asked Green about his decision to leave the victim bleeding out while her son was in the bedroom, especially if he was a parental figure. Prosecutors said Green did not even check if the victim was alive.

In conclusion the prosecution asked Green about his thought process when deciding to “start wildly swinging the knife” asking the defendant ,“you kept swinging until she said ‘I’m done’? … you had to stab her to defend yourself … including those seven stab wounds on her back?”

In redirect, Lee Smith, Green’s attorney, also clarified Green’s decision to leave the apartment through a bathroom window. Green claimed it was fear of the victim’s family stating, “if they kick that door in, and see [the victim], they gonna kill me for sure.”

As a rebuttal witness, the prosecution recalled the intensive care unit (ICU) physician so that she could share her expert opinion of Green’s injuries. She concluded that the abdominal wound “was not a life-threatening injury” and was “most likely” suffered in a later incident than Green’s neck and hand wounds, given the amount of healing she could see in photographs.

The trial will continue on Nov. 12.