A jail stabbing defendant rejected the prosecution’s final plea offer and chose to proceed to trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 10.
Deswon Franklin, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on March 24, 2025, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, in the DC Jail. The victim sustained injuries to his arms, chest, and elbow that required treatment at a hospital.
Thomas Healy, Franklin’s attorney, said that after reviewing the offer with Franklin, he decided to go to trial.
The prosecutor restated the plea offer for the court that would have required Franklin to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecutors would dismiss the remaining charge against Franklin and not seek additional charges stemming from the incident.
Judge Brandt then confirmed with Franklin that he heard and discussed that exact plea offer with his counsel, and that he still wanted to go to trial.
A jury trial is set to begin on Oct. 26. Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a status hearing on July 24.
