A defendant in a fatall stabbing was released from home confinement and issued a curfew by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept. 26.
Christian Wilkerson, 22, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 20-year-old Rashawn Phifer on the 500 block of Riggs Road, NE, on Nov. 11, 2022.
According to court documents, Phifer died from four stab wounds to his upper body.
Defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein asked Judge Ryan to consider releasing Wilkerson from home confinement, and instead place him on a curfew that was compatible with his current work schedule.
Wilkerson was placed in home confinement and issued a GPS monitor as of May 16, 2024. Prior to the Sept. 26 hearing, Wilkerson was only allowed to leave home confinement to for a job as a maintenance worker.
Sapirstein argued that Wilkerson has never received a single infraction during this 14 month long period of home confinement and has the ability to abide by the law.
The prosecution objected, citing the nature of Wilkerson’s charges. She argued that the second-degree murder, where Wilkerson allegedly chased the victim, pushed him into a fence, and stabbed him four times, is serious enough to keep the defendant in home confinement.
The prosecution also argued that Wilkerson has allegedly been boasting about the murder on his Instagram account and she is concerned that this behavior will continue if he is released from home confinement.
Judge Ryan referenced a court notification report that was filed on Sept. 24, which confirmed that Wilkerson has had no monitoring infractions, no violation of the stay away orders, and no additional warrants for his arrest.
The prosecution explained that she recognizes Wilkerson’s good behavior and that it is best to continue home confinement so that this behavior continues.
Based on his record, Judge Ryan ruled that Wilkerson will be taken off of home confinement, and instead, will have an 11 p. m. -o- 5 a. m. curfew. Wilkerson will continue with GPS monitoring and all stay away orders will remain in place.
“Wilkerson is being held not to punish but to protect the community,” Judge Ryan said. “This is a measured stair-step down.”
Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.
