A domestic violence stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal and was denied release before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on April 10.
Marquise Bailey, 27, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing on the 5200 block of Karl Place, NE on Nov. 30, 2025.
According to the prosecution, if the case had proceeded to trial they would have proved that Bailey lunged at his romantic partner with a knife, causing a laceration to her hands. The victim’s family then chased Bailey out of the apartment. On Dec. 5, 2025, officers executed an arrest warrant. A relative of Bailey’s informed officers that Bailey had a firearm in his bedroom, where they recovered a gun without a serial number.
Bailey accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, with the prosecution agreeing not to pursue an indictment with additional charges. Judge Israel accepted the plea and informed Bailey that he must register as a gun offender.
Bailey’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, requested his release to home confinement, citing his limited criminal history and his transparency about the offense. She stated that Bailey’s mother supports him and that he would comply with a stay-away order from the victim and her residence.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the violent nature of the offense and the lack of safe release conditions warranted continued detention. The prosecution stated that no conditions could reasonably ensure the safety of the victim or the community.
Judge Israel denied the request for release, stating that there was not enough information to support Bailey’s release.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 10 for sentencing.
