Self-Defense Claim Leads to Acquittal in Stabbing Trial

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A jury acquitted a stabbing defendant of all charges following a one-day trial in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s court on Nov. 18.

Darin L. Anthony, 59, was charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on Sep. 11, 2023, on the 400 block of W Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries.

According to court documents, Anthony had accused a family member of the victim of stealing packages delivered to his building, prompting a chase. The stabbing victim reportedly intervened to assist a family member, who Anthony was allegedly pursuing. Witnesses claimed Anthony produced a knife from his pocket and attacked the victim. At the hospital, the victim recounted swinging a cane at Anthony first before being struck with the knife.

Anthony recounted to police that he acted in self-defense, asserting that the victim was the aggressor by initiating the altercation with the cane. He claimed the victim approached him aggressively and swung a cane, in response he brandished a knife to protect himself but never swung it. He alleged that the victim ducked and fell into the knife, causing the injuries.

The prosecution argued that Anthony acted recklessly and with intent during the altercation. However, after briefly deliberating, the jury found him not guilty on all three charges.

No further dates were set.