DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld appointed a new defense attorney for a stabbing defendant awaiting sentencing during a hearing on March 11.
Tara Bellinger, 40, pleaded guilty on March 5 to assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor assault on law enforcement for her involvement in a stabbing on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW on Feb. 10.
During the hearing, Bellinger informed Judge Hertzfeld that her uncle recently passed away and she has been going through a hard time.
“My head isn’t in this space,” Bellinger said. She explained she was unable to visit him before he passed away due to her incarceration.
According to Bellinger’s attorney, Louis Kamara, his motion to withdraw filed on May 12, since their relationship was deteriorating causing a breakdown in communication.
Judge Hertzfeld asked Kamara to transfer his case materials to the new appointed attorney.
As a result of the new developments Judge Herzfeld paused Bellinger’s sentencing.
“It sounds like you are going through a lot so let’s schedule for next week,” Judge Hertzfeld said.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 18 for Bellinger to receive new counsel.
