Defendant Sentenced to Ten Years for Fatally Stabbing Uncle

By Nick Pallotto [former] - December 7, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On Dec. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a homicide defendant charged in connection to his uncle’s stabbing to ten years imprisonment. 

Marcus Isom, 44, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of his uncle, 67-year-old Michael Stover, on Jan. 22, 2022, in a house on the 500 block of 55th Street, NE.

According to court documents, on the day of the incident, Isom and Stover got into an argument, during which Isom accused Stover of stealing money during a New Year’s Eve Party. During the argument, Stover was laying in bed with his partner. Stover eventually tried to disengage from his interaction with Isom and laid face up on a bed. Stover’s partner told officers that when Stover laid face up, Isom stabbed Stover in the stomach. Isom then told the witness to sit down or she would be next.

On Sept. 7, Isom accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors which required he plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges and a guaranteed ten year sentence. 

The prosecution, in reading their sentencing memorandum to the court, said the Stover’s stabbing is both tragic for Isom’s and Stover’s family. 

Prosecutors insisted the sum of money that Isom wanted from Stover doesn’t justify the murder and requested Judge Okun impose the agreed upon ten year sentence. 

Isom’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, asked Judge Okun to consider the fact that Isom has had a rough time in jail, citing his struggles with mental health issues. 

According to Irving, during some of Isom’s jail calls with his mother, he has “broken down,” and “showed a lot of love for his uncle.” 

Irving stated Isom mentioned he didn’t realize the stabbing would result in Stover’s death, arguing that Isom’s anger and alcohol may have played a role in his actions. 

“I love my uncle and I have made mistakes in the past,” Isom said in his statement to the court. “When I get out, I want to focus on getting my life back together.” 

After Isom acknowledged wrongdoing for his crime, Judge Okun noted that the defense and the prosecution were unopposed to a ten year sentence, which includes five years of supervised release.

As part of his sentencing requirements, Isom must participate in anger management classes and seek employment. 

No further dates were set by the parties.