A defendant accused of stabbing a correctional officer told DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 17 that other officers reportedly are assaulting him in retaliation.
Ovid Gabriel, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and unlawful introduction of contraband into penal institution for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of a DC Jail correctional officer on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Aug. 3, 2025. The officer sustained nine stab wounds, a collapsed lung, and a lacerated intestine.
Gabriel’s attorney, Kevin Irving, told Judge Ryan that Gabriel believes he has faced retaliation from other correctional officers following the alleged assault. Irving said he was concerned for Gabriel’s safety and asked whether Judge Ryan could order his transfer to a different facility.
According to a July 4 filing from Gabriel on his own behalf, a correctional officer reportedly assaulted him on June 22 while he was restrained in handcuffs at the infirmary. According to Gabriel’s filing, an investigation determined he was the victim and the officer was the aggressor.
Judge Ryan said that he does not have the authority to determine where Gabriel is held, as that falls outside the scope of his authority under the bond statute. However, he said he was willing to reach out to the Department of Corrections (DOC) general counsel’s office with Irving’s concerns.
Irving also said Gabriel claims he was intentionally placed in a cell with limited Wi-Fi access, preventing him from preparing for two other cases in which he is representing himself. According to Irving, repeated requests to move Gabriel to another cell have not been granted.
Judge Ryan reiterated he would contact the DOC’s general counsel to address Gabriel’s concerns and inquire about the measures being taken to ensure his safety.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 4, 2027.
