A DC Superior Court judge released June 18 a man charged with simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm.
Victor Negron has been detained since May 9. He is accused of punching his wife in the face and threatening to kill her family.
The prosecution told Judge Maribeth Raffinan that Negron has a history of committing crimes against his victim, including assault and attempted arson. He was also said to have violated his probation for a previous case.
Defense attorney David Vega noted that his client’s past transgressions are a result of him suffering from major depression. Vega requested the defendant’s release because Negron suffers from asthma. Remaining in jail would make him susceptible to contracting COVID-19, Vega said.
The victim told the judge that Negron has not been taking his medication and has been drinking alcohol profusely. She indicated she would like the defendant to be released and promised to help him seek mental health services.
Judge Raffinan said Negron’s probation could not have been well enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendant was placed on GPS tracking and given an order to not harass, stalk, or abuse the victim.
Negron is scheduled for a status hearing on July 6.
