A non-fatal stabbing defendant was released by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on July 28 after she waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
Lita Mcleod, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on July 24 at the 100 block of Atlantic Street. SE.
At a barbeque, Mcleod was allegedly punched by the victim resulting in a physical argument. Mcleod sustained injuries to her hands and neck, but after leaving the scene she reportedly returned 10 minutes later with a knife, where a second altercation escalated according to the prosecution and court documents.
After Judge Hildum confirmed that Mcleod signed a waiver of her right to a preliminary hearing, he urged parties to discuss possible release conditions.
Mcleod’s attorney, Daniel Kovler, emphasized that she had no criminal history prior to her arrest. He stated that Mcleod has four children and is a grandmother. According to Kovler, she is the full-time caregiver for her two grandchildren and 17-year-old daughter.
While arguing for his client’s release, Kovler claimed that Mcleod could have taken a drug that was stronger than she anticipated on the day of the incident. Mcleod theorized that the drug was mistakenly consumed, which thus resulted in the events that led up to the incident. According to Judge Hildum, Mcleod tested positive for phencyclidine (PCP), linked to aggressive behavior, when she was arrested.
Kovler then stated that the victim was also arrested and charged for her alleged involvement in the altercation.
In response, the prosecutor acknowledged that Mcleod’s bail sheet, which typically includes personal details, employment status, and background information, was empty. However, he emphasized that the incident involved two altercations because Mcleod allegedly returned to the argument with a knife.
Judge Hildum stated, “There is no excuse for leaving and coming back armed with a knife.”
According to prosecutors, the victim received a laceration to their right wrist. Kovler stated that, in contrast, the “injury to Ms. Mcleod required stitches,” and that the victim’s wound did “not appear to be life-threatening.”
Judge Hildum acknowledged that the weight of the evidence appeared to be strong and that Mcleod’s actions were “certainly not [in] self-defense.”
Despite this, Mcleod was granted release and ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) on July 29 for drug testing. Judge Hildum also ordered a mental health assessment and a stay-away order for the victim. He stated, “Leave [victim’s name] alone.”
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 1.
