Prosecutors dismissed a stabbing defendant’s possession of a prohibited weapon charge before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Sept. 2, and delayed a trial due to a prosecutor’s personal emergency.
Dishon Washington, 50, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the stabbing of an individual on Dec. 8, 2019, at the 4400 Block of Gault Place, NE.
Washington’s defense attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, motioned to dismiss the possession of a prohibited weapon, citing the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms, on Aug. 26. During the Sept. 2 hearing, prosecutors dismissed the charge.
The prosecution asked for the trial, which was slated to begin Sept. 2, to be delayed because one prosecutor was not able to be present due to a personal emergency. Additionally, prosecutors required more time to determine witness availability. There was no objection.
Govindaraju made two motions to dismiss the case for the prosecution’s alleged failure to provide the defense with potentially exculpatory evidence.
Judge Park suggested parties reconvene at a later date to resolve these issues.
Parties agreed to reconvene on Sept. 18.
