Judge Sentences Defendant to Six-and-a-Half Years for Stabbing, Firearm Possession 

By Maggie Rhoads , Nykia Henderson - July 2, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced an assault defendant to six-and-a-half years in prison on June 28.

On April 23, Jeremiah Clark, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon  for his involvement in a stabbing incident on March 17 on the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, NE, that left one person injured. He also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm for an incident on July 19, 2023, on the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

Judge Salerno sentenced Clark to 60 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and 18 months for possession of a firearm, to be served consecutively. Smith must also serve three years of supervised release and pay $200 to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund. 

According to court documents, Clark stabbed the victim while released for the possession charge. Clark asked the victim to pay back two dollars Clark had loaned him, starting an argument that ended in Clark’s stabbing him. 

At Clark’s sentencing, the prosecution played surveillance footage showing Clark stabbing the victim in the ear and the left side. 

The victim’s injuries were so severe that he had to be treated in the intensive care unit, the prosecutor said. 

The prosecutor said she spoke with the victim, who seemed “jovial” despite what had happened to him. 

The prosecution requested that Clark serve 23 months for possession of a firearm and 49 months for assault with a dangerous weapon, to be served consecutively. 

Clark’s attorney, Anthony Smith, did not specify the number of years Clark should serve, but simply asked that Clark receive mental health treatment. He described this case as a “progression of his past,” saying Clark first went to a psychiatric hospital when he was 15. 

Smith said Clark’s fiance, who was present in the courtroom, agreed to take him to psychiatric appointments and help take care of his mental health.

Judge Salerno said that Clark has been on probation in the past, yet has not chosen to seek mental health. Instead, Judge Salerno said, Clark chose to stab an innocent victim.

Clark said he was sorry for his actions.

Judge Salerno left Clark’s treatment to be determined by the D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC).