‘I Hope You Conquer This,’ Says Judge in Sentencing For Drug-Induced Stabbing

By Madelyn Nall - November 5, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

A stabbing defendant was sentenced to 18 months by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Nov. 1. 

A’Quino Boyd, 36, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1800 block of Benning Road, NE, on Aug. 11. One individual sustained a chest wound.

The prosecutor said this incident was premeditated by the defendant. Boyd and the victim had gotten into an altercation the night before, when Boyd loaned the victim five dollars. 

The prosecution played a video of the incident, showing Boyd running up to the victim when his back was turned and stabbing him in the chest. 

According to the prosecutor, the victim heard Boyd say, “You’re gone now.”

The prosecutor said the victim thought he had been stabbed in the heart because so much blood poured out of his chest. He required emergency surgery and extensive medical care. 

The prosecutor asked for 20 months incarceration, saying the community cannot be safe unless Boyd is incarcerated. 

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki said, when she met with the defendant, he seemed visibly upset by his actions captured on surveillance video. Kopecki said Boyd was under the influence of PCP at the time of the incident and has a significant drug problem that needs to be addressed. She recommended Boyd participate in a drug abuse treatment program in prison.  

“My client has a family who loves him, but [they] cannot deal with the drugs anymore,” Kopecki said. 

Kopecki asked Judge Di Toro to sentence Boyd to 18 months. She said that was what Boyd thought his sentence should be. 

“I apologize to the victim, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Boyd told the court.

Judge Di Toro said the incident did not seem like an act of impulse but more like a premeditated event.

The judge agreed with Kopecki about the severe nature of Boyd’s drug abuse and said she recognized PCP played a significant role in the incident. 

In addition to 18 months in prison, Judge Di Toro sentenced Boyd to three years of supervised release. Boyd is required to enroll in a drug program, receive a mental health assessment, participate in vocational job training, and obtain transitional housing upon his release. 

“Mr. Boyd, I hope you conquer this,” Judge Di Toro said as she ended the hearing.

No further dates have been set.