DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel granted a teen stabbing defendant a partially-suspended sentence on June 12.
On March 26, Lukas Nawrocki, 19, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in the stabbing of an individual on Feb. 1 on the 1100 block of 23rd Street, NW.
According to court documents, Nawrocki stabbed a victim who was biking on his way to work with a pair of scissors telling him, “You’re going to hell tonight.”
Nawrocki’s attorney, Pleasant Broadnax, told Judge Israel that Nawrocki has a good criminal record. Further, as a teenager,Broadnax explained that Nawrocki’s brain and his decision making capability were still developing.
He said that Nawrocki was also qualified for sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which generally seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
Many of Nawrocki’s friends and family showed up for the hearing. Broadnax explained that Nawrocki would have signficiant support as he rehabilitates back to the community. Meanwhile, Nawrocki told Judge Israel that he was sorry for his actions and had grown during his time in detention
“He is not the same person today as he was when he was incarcerated,” Broadnax argued.
However, Judge Israel countered that there was a prior incident where Nawrocki assaulted his mother, and that could have been a “wake up call” to change his behavior. Nor did Nawrocki take responsibility when he stabbed the victim in his most recent incident, Judge Israel stated.
Judge Israel sentenced Nawrocki to 48 months, with 30 suspended, for assault with a dangerous weapon, and 12 months for possessing the weapon. The sentences are set to run concurrently.
In addition, Judge Israel imposed additional requirements for Nawrocki including screening for drug abuse, cognitive and mental health assessments, education and vocational training.
No further dates were set.
