DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied release for a defendant accused of stabbing two victims in a domestic violence incident in a hearing on June 26.
Lester Pendarvis, 26, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, first-degree cruelty to children while armed, threatening to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and two counts of simple assault. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1400 block of Montana Avenue, NE, on Aug. 12, 2025. Pendarvis’ mother and niece sustained injuries during the incident.
Attorney Madalyn Harvey argued Pendarvis’ had family support, citing offers of a place to stay from his aunt and cousin and his fiancée in Texas. Harvey requested her client’s release with conditions until the jury trial.
The judge denied the bond review motion, asserting probable cause of Pendarvis’ involvement and “clear and convincing” evidence from the case. Despite acknowledging Pendarvis’ clean criminal record and employment, the judge pointed to the seriousness of the charges.
“It was a chilling armed assault against his mother and a seven-year-old girl,” said Judge Kravitz.
The judge also argued that with Pendarvis’ mental health challenges, there was no guarantee of his stability or community involvement. Pendarvis must remain held at the DC jail.
The prosecution also inquired about the plea offer extended in January, to which Harvey responded that she has yet to decide whether to draw up a counteroffer.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 21 for a status hearing.
