DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced a non-fatal stabbing defendant to 66 months in prison and three years of supervised release on July 31.
Malik Seltzer, 31, pleaded guilty on June 24 to assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 3000 block of 1st Street, SE.
A jury acquitted Seltzer on Jan. 22, of first-degree premeditated murder of while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal-shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns, on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE. Prosecutors previously alleged that the stabbing victim was a witness to Odemns’ murders.
Seltzer accepted an 11c1C plea deal for the stabbing that carried an agreed upon sentence of 66 months in prison and three years of supervised release, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval. The sentence would run concurrent to a 78-month sentence Seltzer is currently serving for an unrelated armed robbery.
According to court records, Seltzer was sentenced for robbery in 2022 and is expected to finish his time in May 2028. Seltzer also has an outstanding sentence for an unrelated Maryland offense.
At the sentencing, both parties emphasized the severity of the crime, as well as Seltzer’s readiness to accept responsibility.
“He has grown wiser and more mature,” Seltzer’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, said.
Judge Kravitz deemed the plea deal sentence as “appropriate in the circumstances.”
Seltzer must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.
No further dates were set.
