A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct. 3.
Keimontay Holston, 22, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and first-degree burglary while armed for his involvement in a stabbing that took place at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street SE, on Jan. 2.
During the hearing, Holston’s attorney, Camille Wagner, alerted Judge Edelman of his intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for dismissal of other charges.
Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to the midpoint of the sentencing guidelines. The maximum sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon is 10 years.
Following his plea, the prosecution said they could have proven without reasonable doubt that Holston used a shank to stab one of his cellmates.
According to court documents, Holston was caught on prison surveillance entering the victim’s cell as the door opened. He was identified as the person repeatedly stabbing the victim as two other individuals excited the cell. Afterwards, Holston fled the cell, and took his shirt off before being chased by corrections officers.
According to court documents, Holston had previously rejected three plea deals from the prosecution.
Wagner requested that Holston undergo an evaluation to see if he would be eligible to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
Judge Edelman ordered a study be done for Holston.
Parties will reconvene for sentencing on Dec. 12.
——————————————————————————————————–Luci Garza
