Homicide Victim’s Wife Calls Stabbing Defendant ‘Malicious and Wild,’ Still Released to Home Confinement

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a fatal stabbing defendant to home confinement, despite the victim’s family opposing it, during a hearing on May 2.

Vanessa Bonaparte, 32, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence, for her alleged involvement in the death of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd on June 22, 2024, on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

Kevann Gardner, Bonaparte’s defense attorney, filed a motion to release Bonaparte to the community, stating she has continuously worked to improve herself during her incarceration. According to Gardner, “she has now completed an addiction program and is currently eligible for a residential treatment program.”

During the hearing, prosecutors opposed the request, stating Bonaparte had been convicted for a similar incident in 2013, in which she stabbed her brother. In that case, the prosecution stated, she received a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentence, which allows young defendants to have their convictions sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. According to the prosecution, that case is “very similar to what happened here.”

Prosecutors also raised concerns about Bonaparter’s substance abuse issues, stating, “at the core of this case is substance abuse. It had an impact on what happened.” According to the prosecution, Bonaparte was allegedly under the influence of a substance when she allegedly stabbed Boyd twice in the chest.

“Time and time again we found ourselves in a position of Ms. Bonaparte not complying with release conditions,” the prosecution insisted, citing Bonaparte’s release being revoked in October 2024 due to her drug abuse and dependence.

“She’s clean and sober,” Judge Ryan stated, adding she has gone through drug treatment while she’s been incarcerated at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) in the DC Jail.

“If she relapses, I’ll deal with it by putting her in a position where she can no longer do that,” Judge Ryan advised, telling Bonaparte “you cannot afford to relapse when you’re in the community.”

Boyd’s wife opposed the request, stating “I feel like she shouldn’t be able to have her freedom,” adding she’s “malicious and wild.”

“I want her to have the best chance at succeeding,” Judge Ryan stated, ordering Bonaparte be in home confinement at all times, except for previously approved appointments, and will be evaluated by staff at the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to decide what treatment she needs for her drug issues.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 28.