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By
Sophia Cooper
, Emily Nordberg - January 28, 2025
Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McClean sentenced a tearful stabbing defendant to 24 months of incarceration with all but six suspended. The outburst came during an emotional hearing on Jan. 28, as the defendant pleaded with the judge, “Please don’t send me to jail your honor.”
On Nov. 6, Lakeesha Taylor, 52, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a deadly weapon for her involvement in a stabbing incident on the 1000 block of H Street, NE on March 2, 2024. An individual sustained cuts to her clothing, but wasn’t physically injured.
Taylor has dozens of prior arrests and multiple convictions, according to prosecutors.
According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a panic alarm at a phone store. Previously, Taylor engaged in an argument with the victim that turned physical when Taylor punched the victim in the face, before swinging the knife at her, then contacting the victim’s clothing with the weapon. During the violent encounter Taylor reportedly told the victim, “I’m going to kill you,” and chased her out of the store. The victim escaped and managed to flag down police.
At the hearing, the prosecution argued for a 24 month sentence with three years of supervised release. They justified the request citing the aggressive nature of the crime, given that the defendant didn’t know the victim and Taylor’s “conduct in the case was extremely disturbing.”
The prosecution also noted Taylor’s prior criminal history of 42 arrests and 14 convictions, although they didn’t elaborate on the infractions. They argued that Taylor showed no remorse and cited four notices of non-compliance since Taylor’s release.
Defense attorney Marnitta King argued that in the altercation the defendant and victim were equally involved at first. The defense also stated that Taylor accepted responsibility but acknowledged that she didn’t need to “retaliate” with a knife. King also explained that the defendant described herself as a target of attacks and abuse.
According to the prosecution and Judge McLean, in the nine months following her release, the defendant was required to participate in drug testing, but tested positive multiple times, including as recently as January, and failed to appear for two tests. King argued the defendant’s health issues limited her ability to receive drug treatment which requires taking certain medications.
The judge said Taylor was offered numerous opportunities to participate drug treatment but never successfully completed the program, even though the defense said she intended to do so.
The defense requested a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines. King stated Taylor was now willing to participate in anger management courses, drug treatment, a mental health evaluation, and three years of probation.
Taylor took responsibility for her actions and apologized for “wasting court time.” She expressed a qualified apology to the victim as the “young lady threatening [Taylor’s] life” as well as the victim’s family.
Taylor also mentioned her relapsing breast cancer, the loss of her mother, and her missing daughter’s kidnapping in explaining her errant behavior.
While Judge McLean appreciated Taylor’s accountability she stated ,“There is no reason to be chasing someone down the street with a knife.” The judge sentenced Taylor to 24 months with all but six suspended, three years of supervised release, and one year of probation. As part of her sentence, Taylor is required to complete anger management courses, drug treatment, and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.
Immediately following the sentence, Taylor started crying, and asked, “I have to go to jail for six months?” to which Judge McLean responded “Yes ma’am” and continued “I’m not sure why you weren’t prepared.”
As she was being removed from the courtroom by US Marshals, Taylor, sobbing, asked for 24 hours to turn herself. Her request was denied.
No further dates were set.