DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause for a stabbing defendant on June 30, citing the possibility of aiding and abetting instead of a direct connection to a weapon.
Reginald Steele, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing of one individual at the DC jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Feb. 5. The victim sustained seven wounds, including lacerations to the face, head, both arms, and three to his back.
An additional suspect who has yet to be identified was reported to be involved.
Steele is currently serving a sentence of 107 years in prison for his involvement in a deadly gang-related shooting spree in 2020.
During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on Steele’s case as a witness to recount her review of footage from the incident, interviews with witnesses, and hospital visit to the victim.
The detective claimed that cameras at the jail captured both suspects at the scene attacking the victim with “cupped hands,” suggesting possession of a knife or comparable weapon. She also cited footage of both suspects depositing unidentifiable objects, each in a different cell.
The detective additionally reported that at the hospital, the victim had stab wounds and blood stains on his clothing that were not visible in the footage before the incident.
Steele’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, asked whether the witness had actually seen Steele holding a sharp object during the cross-examination. The detective reiterated that she had only seen Steele’s hands cupped in fists from examination of the video evidence. Allburn additionally pointed out that the witness had claimed in her affidavit that she saw the other suspect with a sharp weapon, but testified during the hearing that no weapon was ever in sight.
Allburn asked about the items deposited in the cells. The detective claimed that no item was found in the cell that Steele was seen approaching. She testified that an object was found in the cell visited by the other suspect but she did not ask for a description. According to court documents, Department of Corrections (DOC) staff found a sharp metal object in this cell during their search.
Judge Raymond ordered Steele continue to be held on a cash bond, but neither party argued for his release due to his outstanding sentences.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 10.
