A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty during an arraignment hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on July 20.
Jumel Rhodes, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, that is, a sharp object, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1900 block of D Street, SE at the DC Jail on June 4, 2025. The victim sustained injuries to his forehead, ear, neck, and chest.
Rhodes’ case was closed on May 21 after Judge McLean dismissed the charge for lack of probable cause. The case was then presented to a grand jury that determined probable cause to indict Rhodes. The case was reopened on June 17.
Rhodes is currently on release, but the prosecution argued for his detention noting the violent nature of the crime and “repeated stabbing” that reportedly occurred.
The prosecution was unable to provide further information about identifying Rhodes as the suspect, which is the reason Judge McLean originally dismissed the case.
“In considering detention I’d expect to hear information that this was actually the defendant,” Judge McLean said.
Judge McLean also mentioned that if Rhodes is the correct suspect, there should be “a number of people” who could correctly identify him.
Judge McLean instructed Rhodes to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) as directed. Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 10.
