Defendant Pleads Guilty to Jail Stabbing

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A convicted murder defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 30.

Bernard Eddy, 25, was charged with assault with a prohibited weapon after his involvement in an inmate stabbing inside the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street SE on March 6, 2023.

Eddy’s attorney, Julie Swaney, informed Judge Arthur that Eddy accepted a plea offer from prosecutors. Eddy pleaded guilty to one count of simple assault and one count of possession of a prohibited weapon. In return, prosecutors dismissed more serious charges and agreed not to seek an indictment. Judge Arthur informed Eddy that the maximum penalty was 180 days or a $1000 fine.

Eddy was previously found guilty in April of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business. The conviction stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019, on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.

The prosecution asked Judge Arthur to consider the murder charge, as well as a previous count of unlawful possession of a firearm in deciding the sentence. The prosecution pointed to Eddy’s record as proof of an escalating criminal history, requesting the maximum sentence of 180 days.

Defense attorney Swaney asked Judge Arthur to instead consider the difficulties of being in jail as well as the fact that Eddy was taking responsibility as mitigating the need for the maximum penalty. Swaney also noted that Eddy could receive a sentence of more than 14 years for his involvement in the homicide.

Judge Arthur sentenced Eddy to 120 days in jail along with his current sentence.

No further dates are to be held.