Judge Denies Release Request for Stabbing Defendant

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release during a July 9 hearing. 

Amadelia Hernandez, 34 is charged with assault with a deadly weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on March 29 on the 400 block of Emerson Street NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, the stabbing occurred while the victim was making a smoothie for a person in the residence. The two were allegedly talking about Hernandez, who was allegedly visiting another occupant of the residence. The witness told police that Hernandez may have overheard their conversation and got upset.

Damon Catalos, Hernandez’s attorney, requested she be released as she awaits further proceedings, saying she does not pose a danger to the community.

Judge Salerno denied the request, citing that the circumstances of the case have not changed. 

Catalos also requested access to the victim’s medical records, explaining that in order to move forward with his intended defense theory he would need access to the victim’s treatment history.

The prosecution stated that once they obtain these records they would share them with the defense. 

Catalos emphasized that he needed the records before the Sept. 17 trial date because his ability to build a comprehensive and effective defense without the records would be significantly hampered. 

Parties are slated to return for a trial readiness hearing on Aug. 16.