DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe released a stabbing defendant, but gave her a stay-away order from the victim and the crime scene on June 23.
Sharee Harris, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 6 on the 1700 block of 16th Street, SE. The victim sustained a wound to her abdomen, three to the left hand, and a superficial wound to her cheekbone.
Harris’ co-defendant and boyfriend, Phillip Capers, 34, is charged with simple assault for his alleged involvement in the same incident.
According to court documents, the incident allegedly stemmed from arguments between neighbors over several noise complaints Harris received from her landlord. Harris and Capers lived directly above the victims and a brawl allegedly broke out when Harris went to confront the victim.
Janai Reed, Harris’ attorney, claimed the act was in self-defense because the victim reportedly attacked Capers first with a black pole.
Reed argued for Harris’ release by claiming that she does not have violent tendencies and there was “a lot of evidence” proving this. In addition, Reed explained that Harris had a limited criminal history that was irrelevant to the case, a daughter who’s an honor’s student, and an alternate living situation where she would not be near the victim, her former neighbor.
The prosecution argued against Harris’ release on the grounds that she tested positive for fentanyl when she was arrested. The prosecution also disagreed with Reed’s claims of self-defense because they allege Harris left the scene to retrieve a weapon.
Judge Pipe released Harris because she had little criminal history and was able to live away from the fictim. Judge Pipe placed Harris in mandatory drug testing, a substance abuse assessment, and a stay-away order from both the scene of the incident and the victim.
Judge Pipe determined that Capers, who was already released, was compliant with his conditions.
After Judge Pipe’s decision, an individual virtually attending the hearing yelled “I love you,” to Harris and then said, “free you.”
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 12.
