Judge Finds Probable Cause Defendant Committed Murder

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 12, 2019
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During a preliminary hearing June 11, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause that a defendant killed a man she lived with in March.

Barbara Sanders, 53, is charged with second-degree murder while armed with a knife for her alleged involvement in the stabbing of 59-year-old Thurman Knight at their residence on the 500 block of Montana Avenue, NE in March. The two were involved in a romantic relationship, according to court documents. 

Judge Craig Iscoe said the evidence provided suggests that the defendant was more than just present during the murder, agreeing with the prosecution’s arguments that Sanders told multiple parties contradicting stories. Court documents state that the defendant told conflicting stories to not only the police but also witnesses involved in the investigation.  

According to the prosecution, a blood trail at the crime scene, “connects the defendant to the case.” The prosecution said the blood trail proves that “something” happened inside the apartment.

However, Judge Iscoe said the evidence didn’t suggest that an altercation took place inside the apartment before the murder.  

Sanders’ defense counsel said her conflicting stories were the result of a traumatic experience. This would “naturally lead to differing stories,” counsel said. Apparently, there was a history of domestic abuse within the relationship. 

Defense counsel also said the blood trail did not prove that the murder happened inside the residence on Montana Avenue because the direction could not be determined.

Court documents state that police found a knife near Knight’s body. The knife contained both Sanders and Knight’s DNA. There was no other DNA found on the weapon. 

In addition to finding probable cause, Judge Iscoe also continued a ruling on Sanders release to give the defense more time to provide specifications about a residence and its occupants where Sanders would stay. Sanders is currently being held at DC Jail without bail. 

A felony status conference is scheduled on June 18.

Julia Guercio and Brooke Welsh contributed to this article