DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean raised concerns about a stabbing defendant’s compliance with pre-trial release conditions during a hearing on April 27.
Andre Towsend, 48, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place at 801 East Men’s Shelter, located at the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on March 19. The victim sustained a stab wound to the right side of his neck.
During the hearing, Judge McLean stated she received a defense request for a mental health evaluation. The judge said she also reviewed Towsend’s history, noting four curfew violations since his release on March 23 and that he missed required drug testing. Judge McLean raised concerns about Towsend’s compliance and said she’s now considering detention.
Towsend’s attorney, Edward Joseph, said he had not received key evidence from prosecutors, including body-worn camera footage and surveillance video, nor a plea offer.
The prosecution responded that a plea offer was extended at the preliminary hearing on March 23. Joseph said he was unsure whether he received it. The prosecution also noted that it had issued a subpoena to the men’s shelter to obtain surveillance footage but had not yet received a response. Prosecutors stated that if the shelter does not comply, the lead investigator will follow up.
Towsend addressed the court, stating he has been reporting to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and planned to check in with his officer and complete drug testing the following day.
Judge McLean advised Towsend to report that same day since he was already present in the courthouse where the PSA office is located. She also scheduled a follow-up hearing to ensure all evidence materials and plea negotiations are properly exchanged between the parties.
Parties are slated to reconvene on June 17.
