Judge Finds Probable Cause in Jealousy Linked Stabbing

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a stabbing during a Jan. 29 hearing. 

Osmin Vanegas Alvarez, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE on Dec. 29, 2024 that left one injured.

According to court documents, witnesses testified that Alvarez, a cleaning employee at the building, was escorted out by security after an initial altercation with the victim following a conversation between the victim and Alvarez’s girlfriend. Witnesses say later Alvarez re-entered the building and followed the victim who ran to the second floor.

The victim stated that Alvarez approached him with his hands in his pockets, pushed past a witness attempting to intervene, and entered a cleaning crew room. There, he allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked the victim while shouting, “You gonna die, motherf***er, I will kill you.” The victim sustained severe stab wounds to his left tricep, chest, and neck.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) interviewed the victim who was receiving care at the hospital for his injuries. He stated that a coworker, also a witness, was in a romantic relationship with Alvarez and that he often got jealous when she spoke to other men. 

The prosecution initially proposed a deal requiring Alvarez to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for not seeking an indictment, but he rejected the offer.

During the hearing, the defense argued that the victim started the fight and that Alvarez was merely acting in self-defense.

However, the prosecution asserted Alvarez initiated the second altercation, attempted to conceal his identity with a hoodie, and had a clear intent to harm, citing his allegedly murderous threats.

After reviewing the evidence, Judge Ryan ruled in favor of the prosecution, determining that probable cause exists. 

Parties are set to reconvene Jan. 30 to address the defense’s request for release.