Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Stabbing Death

By Hunter Krienke [former] - July 10, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On July 10, during an arraignment, a defendant pleaded not guilty to a 2022 murder.

Julian Ruffin, 32, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing Alphonso Lee, 38, to death on Oct. 7, 2022, on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE. 

According to prosecutors, Ruffin and Lee were involved in an altercation concerning a vehicle which led to a fight in Ruffin’s home, where Lee was fatally stabbed.

Prosecutors discussed how the knife allegedly used in the murder was actually shown to police by Ruffin who admitted to stabbing Lee.

The prosecutor further argued that video surveillance footage of the argument showed Ruffin acting in a hostile manner before the stabbing, claiming that his release should not be modified based on the factors of the case.

Defense attorney Kevin Irving rebutted the claim arguing the footage did not show Ruffin being hostile but showed him attempting to leave the area to avoid a confrontation.

The defense requested Ruffin’s GPS monitor be removed since it won’t allow him to travel to his mother’s home to take care of his children.

A representative from the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA)  discussed in court how Ruffin has been compliant with all terms of his release.

However, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the request to remove the electronic monitor due to concerns over Ruffin’s previous criminal record. However, his curfew was lifted allowing him to stay with his mother.

Parties are set for a status hearing before Judge Raffinan on Sept. 21.