DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a defendant to 42 months in prison for stabbing a juvenile in the hand on April 21.
Anthony Nowlin, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in the non-fatal stabbing of a juvenile in the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW on Aug. 26, 2025. The victim sustained lacerations to their right hand.
Nowlin pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to assault with a dangerous weapon. The prosecution agreed not to seek indictment on any greater charges and dismiss a separate misdemeanor case.
The prosecutor requested Nowlin be sentenced to four years in prison. The prosecutor said Nowlin approached the juvenile on the train, made comments to them, and touched them. The victim rejected Nowlin’s advances and, when he did not stop, they punched Nowlin, according to the prosecutor. The prosecutor said Nowlin then chased the victim and stabbed them in the right hand.
The prosecutor said Nowlin tested positive for cocaine, PCP, and fentanyl at the time of the incident. They said he was previously charged with attempted robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge McLean noted Nowlin was only on release for two months when this incident occurred.
Nowlin’s attorney, Derrick Page, requested Nowlin be placed in mental health treatment. He said Nowlin had significant emotional problems left untreated when he was homeless during the time of the incident.
Page said Nowlin performed better and was not a risk to the community with treatment. He said, while incarcerated, Nowlin had access to medication through the New Hope Health Services program, a DC agency that focuses on mental health for individuals above 18-years-old. However, Page said he lost access when he could not provide documentation of his release while homeless.
Page also noted Nowlin’s mother struggled with mental health issues and addiction. In addition, Nowlin’s father was absent and Nowlin did not receive any aid in school.
“My client started out behind the 8-ball” Page said.
Judge McLean asked Page how this information should be incorporated into determining Nowlin’s sentence.
“My prayer and my hope is that when he is released, the therapeutic part happens sooner rather than later,” Page said.
Nowlin apologized for his actions and said he behaves better when he has access to medication.
“I did not know [the victim] was underage,” Nowlin said. “When I’m on my meds, I don’t act like that.”
Judge McLean sentenced Nowlin to 42 months in prison and required him to undergo in-patient substance abuse and a mental health treatment program immediately following his sentence.
“I hope you can continue to use your time with the good attitude you have had,” Judge McLean said.
No further dates were set.
