Convicted Murderer Sentenced to Six Years for DC Jail Stabbing

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DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a stabbing defendant to six years in prison to be served concurrently with his previous sentence on Nov. 8.

On Sept. 12, James Mayfield, 25, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in relation to a stabbing incident that took place in the DC Jail on June 3, 2021.

According to court documents, three individuals including Mayfield were arguing in one of the common areas. Mayfield struck first, assaulting one of the other inmates with a homemade knife. Mayfield was also injured in the altercation and fled the scene while the other two inmates continued fighting.

Veronice Holt, Mayfield’s attorney, argued that Mayfield is seriously troubled and his time incarcerated has not helped him. Mayfield was severely injured in jail previously, so much so that the family was allowed into the hospital to say goodbye. 

Holt noted that Mayfield already has a lengthy 50 year sentence for the 2017 murder of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor

Mayfield also spoke on his own behalf, stating that his “goal is to return back to the community” and “start a family.”

Judge Pasichow said of Mayfield’s actions that “this violence is so unnecessary” and admonished him stating that, “What goes around comes around and  you’ve got to stop the cycle.”

Judge Pasichow sentenced Mayfield to six years of incarceration to be served concurrently with the 50 year sentence he is already serving and three years of supervised release. Additionally, Judge Pasichow recommended Mayfield undergo mental health and violence reduction treatment.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.