A non-fatal stabbing defendant was sent to Saint Elizabeths Hospital despite his objections at a mental observation hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 17.
Aaren Striplin, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on July 4 near the 900 block of G Street, NW.
According to court documents, Striplin allegedly pepper-sprayed and stabbed the victim in the legs, then turned himself in the same day.
The court received notice that Striplin had been found incompetent earlier that day in a hearing for a different case and had been ordered to Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital immediately for psychiatric observation.
Striplin addressed Judge Arthur, saying he had a right to a preliminary hearing.
Judge Arthur explained that Striplin would have a preliminary hearing in September and his lawyer would explain everything.
“I will not be alive for September,” Striplin replied.
A US Marshal then tried to escort Striplin out of the courtroom, but Striplin resisted although he was finally subdued.
“Please, I almost died over there,” Striplin shouted, referring to Saint Elizabeths, “I don’t know what is going on.”
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.
