Judge Imposes Lengthy Sentence in Stabbing of Deaf Man

By Sofia Feigelson [former] - June 17, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a deaf defendant to seven-and-a-half years for stabbing a deaf man, claiming the defendant “has presented a consistent danger” to society and “very little impulse control,” during a June 14 hearing. 

Ronald Washington, 28, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for stabbing a victim in the abdomen on Oct. 28, 2023 at the 2100 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE. Both the defendant and the victim are deaf.

According to court documents, the victim was taken to MedStar Hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries. He was able to name and identify the defendant as the perpetrator.

Per police reports, Washington turned himself in to authorities the day after the incident and was accompanied by his cousin who assisted in interpreting through American Sign Language (ASL).

On April 8, Washington accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 60-to-180 months of incarceration.

With four ASL interpreters and the defendant’s family present in the courtroom, the victim gave an impact statement via WebEx, contending the maximum sentence was “the only appropriate recourse” for the defendant’s actions. 

According to an interpreter, the victim said the incident “impacted him physically, emotionally, and mentally,” also stating “I will forever be a victim.” 

“I’ve never experienced an impact on my life this bad. Ever,” asserted the victim.  

Following the victim’s statements, the prosecution reaffirmed the severity of the case and its impact on the victim. According to the prosecution, the victim lost part of his bowel as a result of surgery, and the tip of the knife, which Washington used to stab the victim, broke off in the victim’s body.

“[The victim] could have died from what happened,” asserted the prosecution, backing up the victim’s desire for the maximum sentence.

The prosecutor also highlighted Washington’s prior criminal record and his history of mental health issues and drug abuse. There was “no justification for the defendant’s actions,” said the prosecution.

Washington’s defense attorney, Anthony Smith, stated his client “indicated to me his complete remorse” for his actions, and asked Judge Pasichow to provide his client the services he has shown he needs. 

He claimed Washington was seated in the courtroom “due to his mental health issues and anger issues,” in addition to not receiving necessary and adequate treatment throughout his childhood.

In response, Judge Pasichow reviewed the defendant’s criminal record and stated he was provided with many opportunities to receive help and work on himself.

“I was really struck by how many probation opportunities Mr. Washington had to receive the services that are now being recommended,” said Judge Pasichow.

Judge Pasichow agreed with the prosecution, stating there was no justification for the defendant’s actions. She added that Washington “has presented a consistent danger” to society and “very little impulse control.” 

While Judge Pasichow was speaking, Washington signed to one of the interpreters and asked for his girlfriend, who was in the audience, to make a statement. 

Through an interpreter, Washington’s girlfriend, who was present at the incident, claimed that her boyfriend “is not a bad person” and was trying to defend himself.

Subsequently, the victim asked to make further statements. He stated Washington “has shown no change of behavior,” acknowledging that this incident was not the first time the defendant has been violent. 

According to Judge Pasichow, Washington claimed in a report, “I used to think I had anger issues, but not anymore.” 

Judge Pasichow expressed her concern over Washington’s statement and conveyed hope he will take full responsibility for his actions.

Judge Pasichow ultimately sentenced Washington to 90 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release, also requiring him to receive anger management and mental health services, among others.