DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan took a motion to release a stabbing defendant under advisement on May 6 after the defense noted his extensive rehabilitative efforts while in custody.
Troy Scott, 35, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and felony carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Aug. 5, 2024, on the 1600 block of 29th Street, SE. The victim sustained at least nine wounds.
A defense motion filed on May 3, asked for Scott’s release on 24-hour GPS monitoring.
Scott’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, appeared alongside Theodore Shaw, who will serve as Scott’s new attorney because Cicurel is leaving DC’s Public Defender Service (PDS).
At the hearing, Cicurel requested Scott’s release to live with his grandmother, citing his completion of a substance abuse program and earning 25 culinary certificates at the DC Jail.
Cicurel presented a letter from Unity Health Care which said Scott is focused on making positive changes and exhibits remarkable resilience. Scott also obtained certifications in anger management and entrepreneurship while in custody, Shaw said.
Cicurel argued that the alleged volatility in the case was specific to a relationship with the victim, who has since died from unrelated causes. She said surveillance audio shows the victim was motivated to harm Scott on the day of the incident.
Judge Ryan requested that the defense email surveillance clips of the incident for review before he rules on Scott’s release.
The assigned prosecutor was not present at the hearing due to a medical emergency, so the parties agreed to continue discussions regarding scheduling a new trial date at a later hearing. The trial, originally scheduled for May 11, was canceled due to the change in defense counsel.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 15.
