DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied a defendant’s request for release after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing in a stabbing case on April 3.
Alem Tesfatsion, 50, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 2400 block of 12th Street, NE.
According to court documents, Tesfatsion reportedly went to his neighbor’s door screaming and making obscene remarks. Tesfatsion then allegedly swung a cleaver -ype knife and injured his neighbor.
Tesfatsion, through his attorney Lucas Dansie, waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the prosecution’s evidence.
Dansie then requested his client’s release and emphasized that Tesfatsion had no prior criminal history and worked as a cab driver in DC for over 20 years.
According to Dansie, the incident stemmed from an escalated dispute with a neighbor and was a one-time occurrence. Dansie requested that Tesfatsion be released to his home under strict conditions, including compliance with an existing stay-away order prohibiting any contact with the victim in this case.
The prosecution opposed Tesfatsion’s release, citing the violent nature of the offense and concern for community safety. The prosecutor argued that there were no conditions that could reasonably ensure the safety of the victim or community.
Judge Hildum acknowledged Tesfatsion’s lack of criminal history and strong community ties but ultimately determined that the seriousness of the alleged offense warranted continued detention.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.
