DC Jail Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 48 Months Consecutive to Other Charges

By Mackenzie Konjoyan - June 28, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a stabbing defendant to 48 months on June 27.

Shaquille Bynum, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Jan. 6, 2023, at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The incident left one individual suffering from nine wounds and a collapsed lung.

According to court documents, Bynum was involved with other inmates in the stabbing in the recreation room, attacking the victim while he was at a table playing cards. 

The prosecution argued Bynum had a leading role in assaulting the victim, then holding him while others also stabbed the victim. This incident occurred while Bynum was awaiting sentencing for voluntary manslaughter while armed in another case.

Stephen Brennwald, Bynum’s defense attorney, argued the nature of the stabbing was more nuanced than originally understood. Bynum said the victim was bullying him earlier in the day, and the incident was in retaliation.

Brennwald said he has seen growth in Bynum working with him on his previous case and believes enrollment in The Challenge Program to help rebuild inmate’s lives would be beneficial.

“Since then I have been trying to become a better person and make better decisions,” Bynum said after taking full responsibility for his actions.

Judge Brandt explained that Bynum’s actions were calculated and senseless, especially within the context of his other case. Technically, the stabbing sentence could have been higher but Judge Brandt made it clear that her decision was based on Bynum’s criminal history score before his most recent conviction. 

Bynum’s sentence is slated to run consecutive to his manslaughter sentence of 120 months. Bynum must also serve three years of supervised release and pay a $100 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF). 

Judge Brandt will also recommend Bynum be placed in The Challenge Program at FCI Schuylkill in Pennsylvania. 

Judge Brandt told Bynum that she tries to give some hope to everyone who is facing lengthy convictions. She urged Bynum to take advantage of the time to “feed his mind” and prepare to put his best foot forward when he is released.