DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied release for a stabbing defendant after he waived his preliminary hearing of the evidence against him on Nov. 24.
Ashton Johnson, 37, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Nov. 20 on the 2900 block of Langston Place, SE. An individual sustained two critical stab wounds to his abdomen and ribs.
According to court documents, Johnson and the victim reportedly had a verbal argument when Johnson allegedly stabbed the victim with a steak knife. The victim reportedly identified Johnson as the person who stabbed him when police arrived on scene.
Johnson reportedly told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he found the victim after the stabbing and called 911. However, Johnson later allegedly told MPD the incident occurred in self-defense.
At the hearing, Johnson’s attorney, Albert Amissah, informed Judge Hildum that his client waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Hildum explained to Johnson the rights he gave up and accepted his waiver as knowing and voluntary.
Following the waiver, parties presented arguments regarding Johnson’s pre-tr9ap detention.
Amissah requested Judge Hildum release Johnson since he had a minor criminal history consisting mostly of traffic offenses and low-level misdemeanors. According to Amissah, Johnson’s most recent conviction was in 2021 for firearm possession and he performed satisfactorily on probation.
If Judge Hildum released Johnson, Amissah said he would stay away from the victim, but noted the victim was Johnson’s friend. Amissah also asserted Johnson’s account of the incident remained consistent and noted he called 911.
The prosecutor opposed Johnson’s release because the incident caused the victim to undergo emergency surgery. The prosecutor said the weight of the evidence in the case was strong since the victim’s statement consistently identified Johnson as the perpetrator but Johnson’s version of events changed.
Additionally, the prosecutor was deeply concerned with Johnson’s ability to comply with any conditions of release. According to the prosecutor, Johnson previously did not appear in court while on release, failed to register as a gun offender, and had multiple bench warrants.
Judge Hildum denied Amissah’s request to release Johnson from the DC Jail. The judge noted the weight of the evidence was strong, the violent nature of Johnson’s stabbing charge, and that he was on supervision at the time of the incident.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene before the case’s calendar judge, DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel, on Jan. 5, 2026.
