DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum found probable cause in a stabbing case on Feb. 23.
Antonio Halfacre, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault grave risk while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1800 block of Central Place, NE, on Feb. 15.
According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a call for a fight in a transitional home. When the police arrived, they located no suspects, only the victim bleeding and suffering from two stab wounds to his back. The victim initially stated that Halfacre was behind him when he was hit three times in the back, but never saw Halfacre holding a knife.
In a later interview, court documents state that the victim reported to MPD that he saw Halfacre holding a knife during the incident.
At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called an MPD detective who responded to the scene. The detective said she never identified a suspect while on scene, only in pictures and later interviews with witnesses. The detective identified Halfacre as the suspect in the courtroom.
Halfacre’s attorney, Neveen Hammad, confirmed with the detective that other witnesses she interviewed did not see the suspect with a weapon or committing the stabbing. The detective also agreed when Hammad said that Halfacre told police he was involved in the altercation to stop the other two men from fighting when he saw someone with a knife and got scared.
Hammad also noted that MPD found a knife on scene that belonged to the victim. According to the detective, the victim said he had the knife for work and tried to use it to defend himself during the incident, when he dropped and lost the knife under the couch.
The prosecution argued there was enough evidence for “more than probable cause.” A witness questioned on scene stated Halfacre admitted to stabbing the victim in the back, said prosecutors. They added that the victim’s statements that Halfacre was behind him aligned with the stab wounds to his back.
Hammad argued there was no probable cause because the witness’ statement on scene could not be corroborated by anyone else and was never recorded.
Hammad argued the inconsistent statements from witnesses and the victim, as well as the lack of proof of Halfacre’s confession. Additionally, Hammad noted the use of the word “‘hit” from the victim, stating “if someone was stabbed they would likely know they were just stabbed.” She also argued the witnesses were shown only one picture of Halfacre instead of an array of suspects, which made it highly suggestive.
Judge Hildum said “it’s a messy case,” with inconsistencies, but that there is “more than enough evidence to ensure probable cause.”
In arguing for release, Hammad argued Halfacre acted out of self-defense, as he wanted to intervene in the altercation to stop the fight, but got scared when he saw a knife. She asked for release with a GPS monitor, stating Halfacre is a “very gentle, quiet person” that had older prior offenses but has been on good behavior and compliant with alcohol testing.
The prosecution contested, asking for Halfacre’s continued detention and arguing he had a criminal history and was only recently released from supervision. They stated this is a violent case which left a hospitalized victim and this recent release period demonstrated is still Halfacre is still dangerous. release.
Judge Hildum ultimately decided to maintain Halfacre’s hold, noting his extensive criminal record and severity of the case.
Parties are set to reconvene on March 24.
