DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a stabbing defendant to 39 months in prison on April 17.
Michael Bennett, 42, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13 to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Nov. 12, 2025 on the unit block of Webster Street, NE. The victim, a United States Postal Service (USPS) worker, sustained a back wound.
During the hearing, the prosecutor said the “violent attack” occurred when postal worker was doing his job and the victim had “taken a while to get back on his feet.” The prosecutor asked Judge Hertzfeld to impose a sentence of 39 months followed by three years of supervised release.
Additionally, the prosecutor highlighted that Bennett committed the offense while on release for a separate case. They cited Bennett’s pattern of criminal history including prior assaults, firearm offenses, and various probation and contempt violations as well as his history of substance abuse. They asked for a “strict sentence.”
Angela Ramsey, Bennett’s attorney, asked Judge Hertzfeld to sentence Bennett between 16-to-18 months of imprisonment. She explained that the USPS worker was a relative of Bennett’s fiancee’s ex-husband. Ramsey described the incident as a domestic situation that “got out of control.”
According to Ramsey, Bennett expressed deep remorse for his actions and “really overreacted.” She told Judge Hertzfeld that Bennett suffers from mental health issues, which contributed to his extreme reaction.
“I am so sorry for what I’ve done,” Bennett said, expressing remorse.
He asked Judge Hertzfeld for leniency and said he was under significant stress at the time of the incident and was not in a clear state of mind.
“I ask the court to have mercy on me,” Bennett pleaded. He told Judge Herzfeld he wanted to remain with his children and fiancée, promising not to repeat the behavior.
Judge Hertzfeld said Bennett’s criminal history was a primary concern when determining the sentence. She noted that the victim was “just doing his job” and was walking away when Bennett stabbed him in the back.
As a result, Judge Herzfeld, sentenced Bennett to 39 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She also imposed a no-contact order with the victim. Judge Hertzfeld recommended that Bennett be placed in a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility that offers mental health treatment.
“Good luck to you,” Judge Hertzfeld said.
No further dates were set.
