DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum found probable cause to refer a stabbing defendant’s case to a grand jury, even as the defendant claimed he is a covert agent for the US Government during a hearing on July 18.
Aaren Striplin, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on the 900 block of G St, NW, on July 5.
According to court documents, Striplin pepper-sprayed and stabbed the victim in an altercation about stolen IDs before turning himself into the police.
Adgie O’Bryant, Striplin’s defense attorney, stated for the record that his client believes he is a covert agent for the US government with connections to various former government officials. Striplin has requested that his contacts be called to testify on his behalf, including former FBI director Christopher Wray.
O’Bryant stated that he is still waiting on the results of Striplin’s mental evaluation. The prosecution said they would not revoke the plea offer on the table, in light of the delay in receiving Striplin’s mental evaluation.
The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the incident. Reviewing surveillance footage of the stabbing, the officer identified the attacker as a person said to be Striplin, but admitted he had not seen Striplin at the scene of the crime upon arrival.
O’Bryant objected, reminding the court that the officer had never seen Striplin at the scene. He stated that the officer’s identification of Striplin was based solely on grainy surveillance footage and the testimony of witnesses who had never known Striplin personally.
The officer confirmed that one of the witnesses followed the attacker and observed him entering the police station, which aided in Striplin’s identification.
As Striplin attempted to speak out of turn, Judge Hildum warned him that he would be removed from the courtroom, noting he had done the same thing two weeks prior.
After hearing both parties, Judge Hildum ruled that there was probable cause to proceed to trial. Striplin asserted his right to a speedy trial.
O’Bryant requested the Striplin be placed on release. He stated that Striplin lives at a shelter, is willing to abide by court directives, and will participate in competency restoration programs and pursue other employment.
O’Bryant said for the record that Striplin believes, if he is not placed on release, hostages in Las Vegas and California will most likely die.
Judge Hildum denied Striplin’s release for the safety of the community, and Striplin was returned to Saint Elizabeths Hospital.
Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 11.
