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By
Madelyn Nall
- December 3, 2024
Daily Stories
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Domestic Violence
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stabbing
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Suspects
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During an emotional hearing, a defendant who pleaded guilty to stabbing her sister was sentenced to 36 months of incarceration, with half of it suspended, by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Dec. 3.
On Oct. 3, Junae Roberson, 37, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE that occurred on July 20. One individual, Roberson’s sister, sustained injuries.
The family was present for Roberson’s sentencing, including her grandmother and a sister who was not the victim.
The prosecution read the victim’s statement to the court saying she didn’t know what was going through Roberson’s head during the incident. She was upset because they both knew what it’s like to grow up without a mom, asking why Roberson is doing that to her own kids.
“You broke the sister code,” the sister wrote.
The prosecution asked for a sentence of 39 months, a stay away order, and drug treatment if Roberson’s placed on probation.
Defense counsel Matthew Davies asked for a suspended incarceration period, stating that Roberson is accepting responsibility for what she’s done, and she’s asking for an opportunity to make amends. He also stated that this is an isolated incident, and the result of a fight between sisters.
According to Davies, Roberson has two children, and argued that being away from them has been a hardship. Davies stated that, when visiting Roberson in jail, he saw that every time she missed a family milestone, she would write it on her clothes. She’s a single working mother, and has been away from her children for a total of five months, Davies stated.
She was highly intoxicated during the incident, and wants help with her addiction, according to Davies.
Roberson spoke on her behalf apologizing to her children and to her sister, and promised never to drink or smoke again.
“My kids need me,” she said, “I want to prove that I’m not this monster.”
Judge Pasichow stated that the issue in this case is Roberson’s temper more than anything, combined with the drug and alcohol addiction. She emphasized that while Roberson has a short criminal history and has completed multiple programs, the nature of this case is extremely dangerous.
“Your sister could’ve died,” Pasichow said, “[and] part of a sentence is punishment.”
Pasichow sentenced Roberson to 36 months incarcerated, suspending all but 18 months. After the 18 months, she’s required to serve 12 months of probation, mental health treatment, drug testing, and anger management programs.
“You need to do a lot of work,” Judge Pasichow stated.
After hearing the sentence, a US Marshal handling courtroom security handed Roberson a box of tissues after she began to cry, along with her family in the audience.
Judge Pasichow stated that there will be a lot of opportunities for her during her incarceration, and that she should take advantage of the education programs there. Judge Pasichow mentioned that Roberson said in her pre-sentence report that she wants to be a hairstylist.
As Roberson was being escorted out of the courtroom, her family called out to her, saying that they love her.
“I love you, and I got the boys,” yelled the sister that was present.
No further dates have been set for this case.