A defendant charged with a jail stabbing pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 13.
Deswon Franklin, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a March 24, 2025 stabbing at the DC Jail, located on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.
According to court documents, correctional officers responded after a call reporting a stabbing inside the facility. The victim sustained multiple puncture wounds to his arms, chest, and elbow and was transported to Washington Hospital Center for treatment. Video footage reportedly captured Franklin approach the victim and stab him with a sharpened piece of metal wrapped in cloth.
At the hearing, the courtroom clerk arraigned Franklin on the indictment charges against him. Defense attorney Brandon Burrell entered a not guilty plea on Franklin’s behalf and requested evidence related to the case.
Burrell, who was recently appointed to the case on Nov. 18, 2025, asked for additional time to prepare for the trial scheduled to begin on Feb. 24. The prosecution objected, arguing they were prepared to proceed and that although the charges had changed, the underlying facts remained the same.
Judge Brandt ultimately agreed the defense needed more time and parties rescheduled the trial for June 22.
During the hearing, Judge Brandt also noted that Franklin previously declined a plea offer and parties said they would continue discussing a potential resolution ahead of trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene May 28.
