DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied the release of a defendant in a domestic violence stabbing case after finding her mentally competent to stand trial on Feb. 20.
Tonya Elliott, 30, is charged in connection with stabbing her romantic partner at the time, who sustained four wounds. During the hearing, the court determined Elliott was mentally competent, distinguishing between her ability to understand the charges as opposed to any underlying mental health issues.
Elliott requested a jury trial, which was scheduled for May 28, with a trial readiness hearing set for May 15. The incident occurred on Dec. 6, 2025, on the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue NW.
Judge Salerno said he was not convinced Elliott had sufficiently managed her mental health issues to ensure community safety even though Elliott’s defense attorney, Matthew Rist said her problems were controlled through medication she received while incarcerated.
Rist emphasized Elliott’s lack of prior convictions, strong family and community support as reasons for her release. He said she is not dangerous to the community and would return to court as required.
However, the prosecutor opposed release, citing the violence and serious nature of the offense. The prosecution argued that the domestic violence allegations and the severity of the victim’s injuries weighed against her release and the judge agreed.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on May 15.
