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By
Yvianna Estrella
- February 4, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced stabbing defendant, Svetlena Laubacker, to 48 months of incarceration on Feb. 3.
On Aug. 2, 2024, Laubacker, 23, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on May 16, 2024, on the 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Laubacker’s ex-girlfriend sustained injuries during the incident.
At the sentencing, the prosecutor argued that the crime was premeditated and that Laubacker had obsessive thoughts about the victim, adding that the victim had filed a restraining order against Laubacker months before the incident occurred.
The prosecutor said Laubacker entered the victim’s the apartment building in the early morning, and waited more than seven hours to attack her in her home with a knife.
“I would never wish this sequence of events on my worst enemy… I thank God I have another day to live my life with her,” the victim’s twin sister told Judge McLean.
The victim’s mother and father also discussed the physical and emotional trauma endured by their family. Laubacker’s mother said, “The pursuit of justice must take precedence” in the matter.
Laukabcker’s father is an anesthesiologist and has “dedicated my life to healing, alleviating pain, and saving lives.” Seeing his daughter suffer permanent facial disfigurement, he urged the judge to impose the appropriate sentence concluding that, “As a medic I am sworn to heal, but as a father I am torn, compelled to seek justice.”
Madhuri Swarna, Laubacker’s attorney, said that she has suffered mental health issues her whole life and was never given the support she needed growing up.
“I am so incredibly sorry to the victim and her family for all of the harm that I have caused,” said Laubacker.
Judge McLean advised Laubacker that there would be punishment beyond the eight months she had already been incarcerated at the DC Jail, imposing a sentence of 48 months.
No further dates were set.