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By
Elizabeth Brady [former]
- December 2, 2024
Court
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Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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Victims
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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum found there wasn’t enough evidence– including questionable identification–to justify a trial in a Nov. 27 preliminary hearing about a nightclub stabbing.
Raymond Price was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Nov. 23 on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE.
During the hearing, the prosecution called a responding officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the defense introduced an investigator to review the evidence.
According to court documents, Price was identified as the suspect by a witness and the victim after a verbal altercation. Price allegedly had a knife when arrested.
Both parties presented the club’s video footage and the body-worn cameras of other responding officers.
The blurry video evidence included another individual who was involved in the altercation and left the scene very quickly, passing by police and commenting, “They be tripping in there.”
Alternatively, Price allegedly stayed back, checking up on the victim and cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.
The only witness cited by investigators at the scene identified Price after being repeatedly asked by police, finally giving a response identifying Price’s clothing.
The victim didn’t know he was stabbed until he left the club, later identifying Price by an image presented to him by police stating, “That’s the man that stabbed me.”
Prosecutors argued that there is a low standard to determine probable cause and a “very good argument” to go forward to trial.
Defense attorney Joseph McCoy said Price is the wrong man. Although Price had a knife, there was no blood on it and there’s none in the bathroom where he could’ve washed it off. Two additional eyewitnesses didn’t see a fight or a stabbing.
Judge Hildum explained, “It’s a difficult case” as Price’s knife is the most compelling evidence bug without DNA testing and wound descriptions at this stage, the crime can’t be proven one way or the other.
“I just can’t find probable cause with assault with a dangerous weapon in this case,” Judge Hildum concluded, “Whatever happened that night, let’s just leave it where it is.”
The case was dismissed without prejudice, which allows the prosecution to recharge Price if they uncover more evidence.
No further dates were set.