DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release on July 16 after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Thomas Slaughter, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a woman on July 3 in the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.
According to court documents, Slaughter and the victim reportedly fought over personal belongings. Slaughter then allegedly punched and kicked her before reportedly stabbing her in the right side of the head with a knife, causing a deep laceration.
Slaughter’s attorney, Tammy Thom, said her client wanted to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, allowing the case to proceed without determining if the evidence proved probable cause against Slaughter.
Thom then asked Judge Herrmann to release Slaughter pending trial, arguing he owns a home, has strong ties to the community, helps care for his elderly mother, and suffers from schizophrenia. Thom told the court Slaughter was not receiving the proper medication while incarcerated and suggested conditions such as 24-hour home confinement could protect the community.
The prosecution opposed release, citing the seriousness of the alleged charges and Slaughter’s prior second-degree murder conviction from 1989, for which prosecutors said he recently completed serving his sentence.
Judge Herrmann denied the request for release, citing that it would be irresponsible of her to overlook that his conviction from 1989, although a long time ago, was for murder. She also asked Thom to complete paperwork so jail officials could address Slaughter’s medication needs.
The parties also told the court they are discussing a plea offer but did not mention the terms.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 5.
