A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing and was granted release by DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on Sept. 2.
Anthony Jacobs, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1300 block of Howard Road, SE on Aug. 28.
During the hearing, his defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.
Simmons also requested Jacobs be released pending further proceedings, and claimed the victim allegedly was harassing women in Jacobs’ neighborhood and Jacobs had originally been trying to help the women. Simmons stated it led to a verbal argument, which escalated to the stabbing. Simmons also emphasized Jacobs’ cooperation with the police.
The prosecution pointed out Jacobs’ alleged confession to the stabbing and being drunk at the time.
Judge Raymond granted the defense’s request for release, citing his cooperation with the police and the circumstances of the victim allegedly harassing women near Jacobs’ residence.
She also acknowledged that, though Jacobs may have been attempting to be “chivalrous” in his actions, the law must be obeyed. As such, Judge Raymond released Jacobs under his personal promise to return to court as well as obey a pretrial stay away order for the victim’s safety.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sep. 22.
