A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer and parties selected a jury before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on April 1.
Stephanie Fawbush, 51, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to kidnap or injure a person. All charges originally faced an aggravating circumstance of the victim being a Metro Transit officer and a station manager. The charges stem from her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 900 block of 17th Street, NW on Aug. 14, 2023.
According to court documents, Fawbush reportedly approached the female victim, arguing with her unprovoked. A fight broke out, Fawbush then pulled a pair of scissors out of her bag and allegedly tried to stab the female victim. The male victim intervened and Fawbush allegedly stabbed him in the arm.
During the hearing, the prosecution stated that they sent a new plea offer to the defense, which Fawbush rejected over email. The plea offer would’ve had Fawbush plead guilty to two counts of simple assault, misdemeanor threats, and possession of a prohibited weapon. If Fawbush accepted, the prosecution would have dismissed the other charges.
Judge Salerno clarified that the plea offer the prosecution extended would convict Fawbush on misdemeanor charges. He warned her that, if she were convicted at trial, she would face felony charges. Fawbush told Judge Salerno she understood and still rejected the plea offer.
Fawbush’s attorney, Tammy Thom, stated that she filed a motion on March 26 to dismiss the charge of threatening to kidnap or injure a person committed against a transit operator. According to the motion, T an enhancement was not applicable because the charge of threats is not a crime of violence.
Judge Salerno agreed, dismissing the enhancement on the charge of threatening to kidnap or injure a person.
After Fawbush rejected the plea, parties selected a jury for her trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 2.
