Judge Denies Release Calling Stabbing Incident, ‘Very Troubling’  

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildam denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release during a hearing on March 11. 

Isatou Kah, 21, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on Nov. 20, 2024 on the 3000 block of Langley Court, NW. One individual sustained two puncture wounds and a collapsed lung. 

Andrew Ain, Kah’s defense attorney, alerted the court of her intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing, and requested release with GPS monitoring and a stay-away order from the incident location. He argued Kah has no previous convictions and has “moderated her behavior.” 

The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the case in which the defendant went on two dates with a man she met on a dating app and allegedly began stalking him. 

The prosecution stated that she made a swatting, or prank emergency call, to the man’s apartment seven months before the stabbing, and claimed there was someone committing suicide inside. Officers responded to the scene without result.

On the night of the incident, Kah allegedly went to the man’s apartment complex, waited outside his door, and refused to leave. His neighbors, including the victim, allegedly told Kah to leave multiple times. In what may have been a case of mistaken identity, the victim turned to enter her apartment, and Kah allegedly stabbed her in the back with an ice pick. 

In court, Kah’s hearing was delayed because she was experiencing an emotional outburst. 

Judge Hildam expressed doubt she would return to court and considered her behavior as stalking. He called the case “very troubling” as he denied Kah’s request for release. 

Parties are slated to reconvene April 2.