DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to 54 months of incarceration on June 20.
Danta Forter, 47, pleaded guilty on April 24 to aggravated assault knowingly for stabbing an individual on July 1, 2024 inside the Metro Center Metro Station on the 600 block of 11th Street, NW.
According to court documents, the stabbing occurred after the victim allegedly brushed past Forter’s bike when exiting the metro. Forter claimed that the victim initiated the altercation despite video footage that reportedly showed Forter stabbing the victim multiple times in the torso without visible provocation. The fight lasted seven-and-a-half minutes, and the victim was hospitalized for a week.
The prosecutor requested Judge Arthur sentence Forter to 60 months of incarceration, emphasizing that the victim suffered extensive injuries. According to the prosecution, the victim suffered from lacerations to the scalp, a punctured lung, and damage to his large intestine.
The prosecution also noted Forter’s extensive criminal history since 1996, including two prior convictions of armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He also had two pending probation matters at the time of the incident.
Forter’s actions were “uncalled for,” said the prosecutor. She acknowledged Forter’s substance abuse issues but asserted, “the community shouldn’t have to pay for that.”
The prosecution said the victim claimed that he refused to leave the altercation because he was afraid Forter would strike him from behind.
Forter’s defense attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, asked for a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines. Fullwood-Singh claimed Forter’s actions were influenced by his drug use, but noted Forter plans on completing drug and mental health treatment after sentencing.
“He has a future ahead of him that he has been striving for, until recently,” said Fullwood-Singh.
Fullwood-Singh argued that it was unclear who the aggressor was in the video footage of the incident and asserted that the victim continued to advance toward Forter. Fullwood-Singh claimed the victim’s medical records showed positive drug tests for marijuana and PCP, which explains his erratic behavior.
But, the prosecutor disputed the claim, saying the victim’s drug tests were negative.
Fullwood-Singh maintained that Forter lacked support during his childhood but had family members present in the courtroom willing to support him if he was released. Fullwood-Singh noted Forter has been incarcerated for almost a year and has not had any infractions during this time.
“I pray that you will provide me with another opportunity at freedom,” Forter wrote in a letter to Judge Arthur.
Along with the 54 months of incarceration, Forter will also serve three years of supervised release and is required to complete drug and mental health treatment.
“The video speaks for itself and given the extent of his injuries, the victim is lucky to be alive,” Judge Arthur said. “This could have been a homicide.”
No further dates were set.
