DC Superior Court Judge Heide Hermann denied release for a defendant accused of stabbing her partner of 30 years in the head after she waived her preliminary hearing on July 16.
Patricia Barron, 64, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on July 13, at the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.
According to court documents, the couple was reportedly arguing about Barron not liking her partner’s friends. The victim allegedly approached Barron holding a chair when Barron struck the victim with a knife in the head.
Barron waived her right to a preliminary hearing that would determine if probable cause exists for the charge against her.
Judge Hermann then heard from both the defense and prosecution whether Barron should be released. Barron’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, noted that the case is an assault with a dangerous weapon, between two romantically involved individuals.
Kopecki asked for Barron’s release, noting she would check in with the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) by phone because of her walking condition.
The prosecution argued Barron should remain held, citing their concern about the level of violence in the case. They also asked to keep the stay-away order in place from both the location and the victim.
Judge Hermann explained that the offense wasn’t a fright assault, but a physical assault with a knife that was recovered. Judge Hermann added that Barron allegedly admitted to the stabbing and said she wished she had killed her partner.
According to court documents, Barron told a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective that she accidentally struck her partner with a knife, but also stated that she should have murdered him.
As a result, Judge Hermann denied Barron’s release.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 21.
