Judge Finds Probable Cause and Denies Stabbing Defendant’s Release 

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DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrman found probable cause that a defendant is the likely perpetrator in a stabbing incident. She denied his request for release during a July 8 hearing. 

Darryl Myers, 51, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on June 7 on the 1300th block of 17th Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, an individual, identified as Myers, approached a couple sitting on a bench and began to yell slurs and obscenities at the pair. He allegedly groped the woman, and when the man, who was with her, attempted to stop him, Myers allegedly stabbed him before fleeing the scene. 

At the hearing, the prosecution offered Myers a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill in exchange for them not seeking an indictment. 

Myers denied the offer and the hearing went forward. 

Following his rejection of the plea, the prosecution called an officer from the US Park Police who assisted in locating Myers after the stabbing.

The victims participated in separate identification procedures, the officer said. They were shown a different set of images of different individuals and were able to identify Myers as the individual who assaulted them.

The image of Myers, which was taken moments after the stabbing incident, was taken at a hospital in which Myers sought treatment for a “severe laceration,” according to the officer. 

Myers’ defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, argued that the victims should have been shown the same set of images of possible suspects. 

“Myers is the one with the cut on his hand,” Thomas said, asking the judge not to find probable cause. 

Thomas also requested that Myers be released and suggested the high intensity supervision program (HISP) or house arrest. 

However, due to the “disturbing” nature of the case and prior convictions in other jurisdictions including murder, armed robbery and theft, the prosecution objected to Myers release.

He “accosted two people who were enjoying a summer evening,” and “randomly sexually assaulted someone,” the prosecutor said. 

Judge Herrman denied the release, stating that Myers’ “history and characteristics are concerning,” and there are “no conditions or combination of conditions that [she] can set that reasonably ensure the safety of the community.” 

Parties are set to meet on July 24