Judge Denies Defendant’s Release After Accepting Plea Deal 

By Alex Garcia Pecina - October 7, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on Oct. 3, before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow.

Junae Roberson, 37, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for her involvement in a stabbing on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE that occurred on July 20. One individual, Roberson’s sister, sustained injuries.

According to court documents, Roberson and the victim were in a dispute that led to the stabbing. 

However, Roberson contends that a verbal argument ensued with a group of women down the street, and it was one of those women who actually stabbed the victim. After they returned home, Roberson began to dress the victim’s wound, but an argument ensued over money that Roberson had taken from the victim’s pocket. It was during that confrontation that the victim left the house and called the police.

During the hearing, Matthew Davies, Roberson’s attorney, alerted the court of her intent to accept a plea offer extended by the prosecution. The deal, according to Davies, required Roberson to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment.

Davies requested Roberson’s release, noting that she had a safe place to stay with her family if granted.

The prosecution countered by highlighting the violent nature of the crime, revealing that the victim was her sister, and that it was potentially unsafe to release her.

Judge Pasichow agreed and denied the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 21.