DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones denied the release of a stabbing defendant who waived her preliminary hearing of the prosecution’s evidence on April 6.
Donnita Fountain, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on April 2 on the 3300 block of 13th Street, SE.
According to court documents, Fountain reportedly approached the victim and the two engaged in a verbal altercation. Fountain then allegedly knocked the victim to the ground, the victim attempted to get up and leave, but Fountain continued to assault the victim, and stabbed her. The victim sustained lacerations to her face and hands.
During the hearing, Fountain’s attorney, Lucas Dansie, waived his client’s right to a preliminary hearing. After making sure Fountain understood the rights she surrendered, Judge Jones accepted the waiver.
Dansie requested Fountain’s release, stating she wasn’t a threat to the community. Dansie highlighted that Fountain is a stay-at-home mother of two children, lived with her partner, and would stay away from the victim.
According to Dansie, the incident was a specific altercation that might raise the legal issue of self-defense, arguing the victim brought the knife. He also noted that Fountain successfully graduated from mental health court.
The prosecution opposed Fountain’s release, citing the violent nature of the offense and safety concerns for the community. The prosecutor argued that Fountain was the initial aggressor and used a knife to significantly harm the victim. They noted Fountain’s lengthy criminal record, including prior assault cases and 10 executed bench warrants.
The prosecutor concluded there are no conditions that can be set for Fountain’s release that could reasonably ensure the safety of the victim or community.
Judge Jones acknowledged that Fountain’s prior criminal history and bench warrants are dated. However, Judge Jones decided that due to the severity of the offense and Fountain’s pending simple assault case, she would remain held.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.
