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By
Madelyn Nall [former]
- November 19, 2024
Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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Trial arguments for stabbing defendant Darin Anthony ended before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Nov. 18.
Anthony, 59, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a Sep. 11, 2023, stabbing incident that took place on the 400 block of W street, NW.
Anthony testified in court, stating that his actions were in self-defense. He stated that the victim of the incident came up to him and was swinging at him with a cane. Anthony took out a knife and held it in front of him but claimed henever swung; when he put his arms in front of his face to protect himself, the victim ducked and fell into the knife allegedly causing the stab wound.
Anthony also testified about his medical history, stating he experienced three strokes and was concerned about what would happen to him if the victim hit him.
During cross examination, the prosecutor asked if he was upset about a stolen package around the time of the incident, and brought up several statements Anthony allegedly made during and after the incident, including, “I’d do it again.”
The prosecution argued Anthony “took matters into his own hands,” after the alleged stolen package, and that Anthony chased the victim with a knife and stabbed him.
The prosecution also refuted claims Anthony was acting in self-defense, stating that Anthony never met with police and that the stab wound doesn’t corroborate Anthony’s retelling of the incident.
Defense attorney Jamison Koehler started his closing with the statement, “false in one thing, false in everything.”
Koehler said none of the prosecution’s witnesses were consistent in their retelling of the event, and that Anthony’s friend, who testified as a defense witness, was the only objective observer; the friend but also the victim, and had the clearest view of the event. And the friend, Koehler stated, saw Anthony only take out the knife after the victim started swinging the cane.
The prosecution’s rebuttal focused on the stolen package as a motive.
“He wanted to make a point,” the prosecutor said.
The parties will reconvene once the jury has reached a verdict.