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By
Alex Garcia Pecina [former]
- November 22, 2024
Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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Victims
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DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a defendant to six months of incarceration and 12 months of probation on Nov. 22 in a domestic stabbing case that was sparked by a McDonald’s Fish Sandwich dispute.
Michael Robinson, 25, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license (outside home/business) for his involvement in a stabbing that injured Robinson. The charges stem from his involvement in a stabbing incident on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE on April 19, 2023.
According to court documents, a conflict escalated after Robinson and the victim, who were in a relationship, argued about a fish sandwich purchased at a McDonald’s. The item had dirt inside. Upon arriving home, tensions rose, leading Robinson to brandish a gun and threaten to kill the victim and her baby. In return, the victim allegedly stabbed him in the hand.
Judge Di Toro sentenced Robinson to six months incarceration and 12 months of probation.
The prosecution asked for a sentencing at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines, which was six months of incarceration under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) and three years of supervised release, with a year of probation. Under the law, youthful offenders can have their records sealed if they complete their sentencing requirements properly.
Madhuri Swarna, Robinson’s attorney, requested the court give him to a suspended sentence and a brief period of probation limited to the necessary 90 hours of community service.
She said Robinson had a firearm because he had friends and family who were victims of shootings– sometime fatal. He believed that a firearm would keep him safe.
Judge Di Toro stated she understood the circumstances, but added that gun violence is a serious crime in the District. Additionally, she concerned about Robinson’s threat during the incident, “I will kill you and this baby!”
Judge Di Toro granted the YRA sentencing request and informed Robinson that if he did everything right from here on out, he would his conviction would remain confidential.