In a crime DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman described as “pretty brutal,” Keimontay Holston, 22, was sentenced to 45 months for a non-fatal stabbing of a fellow inmate at the DC jail while the victim was sleeping.
According to court documents, on Jan. 2, Holston entered a cell at the jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE and repeatedly stabbed the victim. The man, says the police report, suffered from ten stab wounds to the head, left abdomen, front left shoulder, twice in the left elbow, right forearm, back of both shoulders, scapula area, and middle of the spine The report indicates that the victim had blood running down his back.
Holston pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.
In his argument for a 45-month sentence at a hearing on Dec. 11, the prosecutor said, “The jail is a dangerous and violent place because of conduct like we’re considering right now.”
Defense attorney Camille Wagner said she wasn’t trying to make excuses for what happened but Holston was held in a maximum security part of the jail she termed, “a complete disaster” where people “eat or be eaten.”
The victim chose not to make an impact statement at the hearing.
Judge Edelman noted that while Hoston did accept responsibility, he rejected an earlier plea deal. The stabbing, he said, followed a conviction for possessing a machine gun in September and subsequent sentencing to 24 months, with 12 months suspended for time served.
Wagner, in contrast, characterized Holston as a very smart man who should be given a chance to succeed and he wants to do better.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions,” Holston said.
Even so, said the judge, “You haven’t made that step forward.” He denied applying the Youth Rehabilitation Act which would seal the defendant’s record.
Ultimately, Judge Edelman sentenced Holston to 45 months, suspending 15 months for time served. Holston must also get a mental health assessment and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.
