A domestic violence defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe during a felony status conference on June 4.
Walter Romero-Ventura, 31, is charged with kidnapping while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of a victim on June 6, 2024, on the 1300 block of 15th St NW. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds and informed the police that her boyfriend forced her into his vehicle, allegedly stabbed her with a box cutter, and threatened to kill her.
During the hearing, Henry Escoto, Walter Romero-Ventura’s attorney, argued that the video evidence used to charge Romero of kidnapping didn’t show use of force. Judge Pipe acknowledged probable cause found by previous Judge Robert Hildum but allowed a request for a review of the evidence.
Romero’s previous plea deal allowed him to plead guilty to the kidnapping and the other charges would be dropped. Despite this, Romero rejected the deal and Judge Pipe denied his motion for bond review.
Judge Pipe maintained her decision to hold Romero concluding that, “When there is no rebuttable position, the facts and circumstances are sufficient enough to hold someone”.
The parties are slated to reconvene with a status meeting on July 2.
