DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann accepted a non-fatal stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing waiver and allowed his release to continue on Oct. 29.
Leon Clark, 51, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a controlled substance for his alleged involvement in an incident that injured one individual on the 800 Block of 10th Street, NE on Oct. 4. The victim sustained seven stab wounds to his forearm, hand, back, two to his torso, and two to his armpit.
According to court documents, Clark reportedly called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after the incident and confessed to the stabbing. Clark told MPD that the victim was allegedly threatening and assaulting him when Clark stabbed him in self-defense.
Defense attorney Lauckland Nicholas informed the parties that Clark signed a waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him, which was accepted by Judge Herrmann. The judge took a moment to explain the waiver to Clark, and he confirmed his understanding.
Clark was released on Oct. 4, and the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), present on Webex, confirmed his compliance with the conditions of his release.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 19.
