Judge Issues Bench Warrant For Stabbing Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a stabbing defendant on Oct. 3, after his failure to appear in court.

Billy Williams, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and panhandling-aggressive. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on Dec. 7, 2023 that injured one individual. The incident occurred at the intersection of Rock Creek and Virginia Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Williams called 911, and told responding officers he was approached by a white man on a scooter who physically hit and threatened him, resulting in Williams’ stabbing the individual. Williams allegedly confessed that he stabbed the victim in his upper neck.

On Sept. 24, Judge Di Toro issued a bench warrant for Williams, due to his failure to appear in court. The warrant was executed on Oct. 2, and Williams was released with the proviso that he attend the Oct. 3 hearing with his attorney.

During the hearing, Judge Di Toro reissued a bench warrant due to Williams’ continuous failure to appear.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for Oct. 18, 2024, and the jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 30, 2024.

Parties will reconvene when the bench warrant has been served.