DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied two motions to release a non-fatal stabbing defendant during a hearing, including permission to attend a funeral on April 15
Denita Harris, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a domestic stabbing that occurred on the unit block of Galveston Street, SE on Jan. 27. The victim, who was Harris’ romantic partner, sustained one stab wound to the thigh.
During the hearing, Judge McLean asked Harris’ attorney, Adgie O’Bryant, to explain two motions he filed regarding Harris’ release.
O’Bryant said he filed a motion for bond review, to reconsider Harris’ detention and an emergency motion to temporarily release Harris for the weekend to attend a funeral for a family member that recently passed away.
The prosecutor argued against Harris’ release, stating that Harris has accumulated nine bench warrants and has two past domestic violence cases. They added, she also has five civil protective orders against her, including an active protective order from her mother.
O’Bryant argued that the offense was only committed toward one victim, and the community would not be at risk if Harris were released. He asked Judge McLean to consider that the relationship between the victim and Harris was toxic, and a stay-away order would ensure Harris’ compliance during release.
Judge McLean stated that O’Bryant’s argument for Harris’ release did not differ from the one he gave during Harris’ preliminary hearing, and denied both the bond review and the emergency motion, keeping Harris detained.
O’Bryant requested that Judge McLean consider GPS monitoring for Harris. However, she did not grant O’Bryant’s request because she said this was the “result of a series of choices” on Harris’ part.
Judge McLean suggested that Harris speak to officers at the DC Jail to set up a Zoom meeting so she can watch her family member’s funeral.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 29.
