DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan allowed a defendant accused of stabbing a correctional officer the right to represent himself with standby counsel on Sept. 18.
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 correctional officer at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Aug. 3, 2025.
Before the hearing, Gabriel’s attorneys filed a motion to withdraw from the case. Defense attorney Kevin Irving told Judge Ryan that Gabriel refused legal assistance from himself and his co-counsel, Cynthia Rollins. Gabriel disputed Irving’s claim and said his attorneys refused to file motions he had requested.
Judge Ryan interrupted and said there was a “clear and factual dispute” about the effectiveness of Gabriel’s legal representation. The defense attorneys, Gabriel, and Judge Ryan had a conversation under seal for approximately 17 minutes.
After a break, Irving spoke about two different instances, on Sept. 1 when Irving “left abruptly,” and on Sept. 11 when Gabriel said their meeting was not productive.
The courtroom clerk then swore Gabriel in, and Judge Ryan read his Faretta rights. In Faretta v. California (1975), the US Supreme Court established a defendant’s constitutional right to voluntarily and intelligently waive legal counsel and represent themself.
Gabriel affirmed he understood the significance of his request. “I know I am at a severe disadvantage,” stated Gabriel, in regards to his legal education compared to Irving and Rollins. Gabriel continued, “It speaks volumes that I feel more comfortable representing myself.”
Judge Ryan told Gabriel he would “reluctantly grant your request to represent yourself.”
While Gabriel represent’s himself, Judge Ryan granted his request for a new attorney as standby counsel to assist him. However, until a new attorney is appointed, Irving agreed to remain on the case.
Gabriel then asked the prosecution if a pending plea agreement is still available, and they agreed to keep the offer open until the next hearing. The details of the plea offer were not discussed in court.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 23.
