A defendant accused of a domestic stabbing that left two victims injured pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 29.
Lester Pendarvis, 26, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, first-degree cruelty to children while armed, threatening to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and two counts of simple assault. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing on Aug. 12, 2025 on the 1400 block of Montana Avenue, NE.
According to court documents, Pendarvis’ sister sustained life-threatening injuries with puncture wounds to her neck and lacerations to her left jaw, abdomen, and thigh. The second victim, Pendarvis’ seven-year-old niece, sustained a stab wound to her chest and laceration to her back. Both victims were transported to separate hospitals.
At the hearing, the court read the arraignment charges against Pendarvis. His attorney, Madalyn Harvey, asserted a not guilty plea on Pendarvis’ behalf.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 29 for a detention hearing.
