DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum released a defendant accused of a domestic violence related stabbing after she waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Nov. 25.
Bianca Osborn, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Nov. 21 on the 1100 block of Dahlia Street, NW. The victim sustained two lacerations to his hand and lip.
According to court documents, Osborn and the victim were reportedly in a relationship for about five years and had a child together. The day of the incident, Osborn allegedly accused the victim of cheating on her, punched him, then stabbed him with a knife.
At the hearing, Peter Odom, Osborn’s attorney, informed parties his client intended to waive her right to a preliminary hearing, which would have determined if probable cause existed for the charges against her. Judge Hildum accepted Odom’s waiver as knowing and voluntary, and parties presented arguments regarding Osborn’s release pending trial.
Odom requested Judge Hildum release Osborn as she was the primary caregiver for her three young children, earned her high school diploma, was steadily employed since she graduated, and had no prior convictions. Additionally, Odom noted the significant family support Osborn had in the courtroom.
The prosecutor requested Osborn remain detained at the DC Jail. They described the incident as “gruesome” because of the long laceration to the victim’s hand that bled heavily and required treatment at Howard University Hospital.
If released, the prosecutor requested Judge Hildum require Osborn to stay-away from the victim and incident address. Odom opposed the prosecutor’s request because Osborn was the leaseholder and resided at the incident address.
Odom claimed Osborn financially provided for the victim and he lived at her apartment when the incident occurred. Osborn was on the lease, not the victim, and she should not be required to stay-away from her apartment, asserted Odom.
Although Judge Hildum described the case as “extremely distressing” with strong evidence against Osborn, he determined there were conditions of her release that could ensure the safety of the community. The judge based his decision on the circumstances described by Odom.
Judge Hildum released Osborn on her own personal recognizance but required she stay-away from the victim and not contact him under any circumstances. The judge also ordered a mental health assessment for Osborn and asked her to comply with any recommendations from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 27, 2026 before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel.
