DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a defendant to two years of imprisonment on June 29.
On April 27, Muhammad Abubakor, 25, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an Oct. 30 stabbing on the 3400 block of 14th Street, NW.
According to court documents, Abubakor approached a victim from behind and stabbed him in the lower back, “causing a two-to-three inch puncture wound.”
Prosecutors requested Judge Salerno impose a 24-month sentence along with a restitution fine of $100. The prosecutor averred that Abubakor poses an extreme risk to the community, mentioning that the defendant admitted to being high on drugs during his offense. Furthermore, the prosecution highlighted Abubakor’s past assault offenses to establish he is unfit for release.
John Sample, Abubakor’s attorney, discussed his mental health issues and repeatedly reminded the court that he took responsibility for his actions. Sample remarked that the defendant is “quite upset” with his behavior on the day of the incident and sometimes “gets high and does things that embarrass him.”
Judge Salerno argued Abubakor committed an offense while he was under supervised release and there is “no good reason for this offense” nor his last one. Judge Salerno expressed that Abubakor already had the chance to get support services, and noted his history of assault.
“Please give me a chance, I won’t do it again… I don’t want to go back to that place,” Abubakor pleaded with Judge Salerno. He explained that he just wants to go return to his native country and move on with his life there.
Sample requested Judge Salerno impose a suspended sentence to allow Abubakor to actively look for employment.
However, Judge Salerno imposed a sentence of 24 months in jail, along with three years of supervised release and $100 dollars restitution.
No further dates were set.
