DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld imposed a suspended and probationary sentence on a defendant who stabbed his child’s mother, on May 18.
On March 17, Mark Henry, 38, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the stabbing of his daughter’s mother on Nov. 10, 2025 at the intersection of Sycamore and Oak Drives, SE. The woman sustained injuries to her under arm.
During the hearing, the victim told Judge Hertzfeld “he doesn’t need the maximum [sentence],” stating the aftermath of the incident has affected their daughter more than anything. She requested Judge Hertzfeld be lenient on Henry.
The victim added she wants Henry to understand the trauma he’s put them through.
The prosecution asked for a sentence of 16 months, with all but 10 months suspended, and probation. They also requested he be ordered to undergo a domestic violence intervention program and anger management, and stay away from the victim.
Henry’s attorney, Tonya Harris, stated he recognizes the seriousness of his conduct and the injuries he caused. According to Harris, the thing he’s most concerned about is the impact this will have on their daughter in the long term.
Harris requested Judge Hertzfeld impose a 24 month sentence, with all but six months suspended. Harris stated they had established a plan for him to participate in drug rehabilitation, vocational training in a sterile processing technician program, and psychiatric work to improve his mental health issues. Harris stated Henry hopes to start rebuilding his relationship with his daughter.
Henry stated he was sorry for injuring “the love of my life for 16 years,” and negatively impacting his daughter. He expressed regret for missing her first year of high school.
“Wow, she’s at a time where she really needs you,” Judge Hertzfeld stated.
“I’m just heartbroken that I broke every woman in my family’s heart.” He added the mistake was “unquantifiable.”
Judge Hertzfeld told Henry “it’s going to take some time to fix some of what you’ve done,” adding, “you aren’t doing your family any good sitting here in front of me. It’s not too late to make a change.”
She imposed a 24 month sentence, suspended as to all but six months, with credit for time served. She also imposed 18 months of probation, during which she will consistently check on him.
She ordered him to be on home confinement and GPS monitoring for the first three months, allowing him to leave for treatment and court. He must undergo all the programs the defense requested.
“You’ve got 18 months hanging over your head,” Judge Hertzfeld told Henry, stating he should view it as an incentive to ensure he stays in compliance with the release plan.
Parties are returning Aug. 17 to check in on Henry’s progress in probation.
