Defendant Rejects Plea Deal in Stabbing Dispute With Neighbor

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A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on June 16.

Roshawn Petway, 39, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on April 22 on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a drunken disagreement between Petway and a neighbor.

During the hearing, Lisbeth Sapirstein, Petway’s attorney, alerted Judge Salerno that the prosecution had extended a plea deal, which Petway intended to reject.

According to Sapirstein, the plea deal would require Petway to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Sapirstein also asked the court to modify Petway’s stay away order from her two young daughters ho need their mother. However, Judge Salerno denied the motion on the basis that Petway’s release posed a threat to the community.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 3.