DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied a stabbing defendant’s release after she waived her preliminary hearing on June 18.
Tashima Barnes, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on May 28, at 2700 block of 14th Street, NW.
According to court documents, Barnes allegedly struck the victim with an unidentified sharp object after Barnes reportedly intervened in an argument between her daughter and the victim.
After initially passing the case to allow further discussion, Barnes waived her right to a preliminary hearing that would determine the strength of the evidence against her, and Judge Raymond accepted the waiver.
Barnes’ attorney, Michelle Lockard, requested Barnes’ release under supervision. She highlighted that Barnes is employed, a DC native and the only parent to her seven dependent children, one of whom is a minor with a seizure disorder. Lockard pointed out her family members in the audience and said that Barnes had a minimal criminal record.
The prosecution asked for Barnes to remain held as parties disputed the significance of Barnes’ criminal history. The prosecution said that she had previous convictions for substance violations, assault with brass knuckles and a pending misdemeanor case.
The prosecution presented a 16-second video of the incident to Judge Raymond. The judge said that the video showed a verbal altercation that escalated into Barnes reportedly stabbing the victim in the back. Judge Raymond said that the only person in the video who is alleged to have a weapon was Barnes.
Lockhard disputed the prosecution’s claims, pointing out that the arrest warrant described an injury to the neck, while the video allegedly showed an attack to the back. She also clarified Barnes’ previous convictions, namely, she reportedly confiscated the brass knuckles from a minor while doing her job and the substances in question were legally prescribed.
Although Judge Raymond found that the defense had offered a strong argument to release Barnes, she ultimately ruled that Barnes would remain in custody because of her criminal history, a pending criminal matter, and the evidence presented by prosecutors.
Barnes’ next hearing is scheduled for July 1.
