A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty, accepting a so-called global plea agreement that resolved two outstanding cases against her during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on July 17.
Starleash Clyburn, 36, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and robbery for her involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE, on March 24, 2025.
Clyburn pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon stemming from the stabbing and simple assault as well as a domestic violence offense that she committed while on release in the stabbing case. In return, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges in both cases.
Clyburn’s defense attorney, Karen Minor, requested that her client be placed on release with electronic monitoring. Minor stated that her client has no remaining contact with the victims in both cases, having moved out of her original home and changed her phone number. Additionally, she mentioned that Clyburn had completed programs for anger management and substance abuse, and has since been very compliant with the court.
The prosecution opposed Clyburn’s release, raising concerns about her committing a domestic violence offense while she was on release in the stabbing case. The prosecution also noted that Clyburn has been noncompliant with conditions of release in the past, due to failing or avoiding drug tests.
Judge Di Toro denied Clyburn’s release due to the issues based on the prosecution’s concerns.
Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 9.
