Judge Dismisses Two Firearm Charges For Lack of Probable Cause

By Lauren Andreala - September 20, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond waived both firearm charges for a stabbing defendant on Sept. 19 after the prosecution failed to prove probable cause for gun possession during the crime.

Michael Fenwick, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, a knife, assault with a dangerous weapon, a gun, and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an Aug. 21, 2023, stabbing on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE. The victim sustained cuts to the back of her head, swollen hands, and a cut on her left thigh.

During the hearing, the prosecution called one of the lead detectives to identify Fenick in court.

Prosecutors also showed surveillance footage of the physical altercation between the victim and Fenwick, without a clear of both individuals are fighting over the a gun.

Under cross-examination, the detective acknowledged that there was no footage of the defendant assaulting the victim with a gun. The defense said the surveillance footage shows the victim with the gun as Fenwick walks out first with no gun visible.

Additionally, the detective was told by the victim that when she walked out of an apartment with the gun, she put it in front of the building.

After the detective testified, Judge Raymond ruled there is only probable cause on assault with a dangerous weapon, knife.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 8.