Judge Grants Stabbing Defendant’s Request to Represent Himself

By Kelsey Ball - October 18, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a stabbing defendant’s request to represent himself in court on Oct. 17. 

Brian Long, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 23, 2023 on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the suspect, later identified as Long, became enraged after he observed an individual touching his “rideshare” bicycle with his bag on the handlebars. The suspect and the individual got into a verbal altercation, which escalated after a female accomplice allegedly handed him a knife, then stabbed the individual in the back after chasing him down.

Judge Arthur granted the request for Long to represent himself in court, naming Long’s defense attorney Howard McEachern as his advisory counsel. Judge Arthur had previously denied Long’s request, in addition to Long’s request for a civilian to represent him. 

In addition, a plea agreement was placed on the record stating that if Long pleads guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, prosecutors will not indict him on more serious charges.

Long requested additional time to make a decision. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 5.