Judge Sentences Stabbing Defendant to 24 Months

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DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a stabbing defendant to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised probation on June 25. 

James Crider, 45, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the intersection of G Street NW and 9th Street NW on Feb. 1. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

In April, he pleaded guilty.

During Tuesday’s sentencing, Colin Dunham, Crider’s defense attorney, argued for a light sentence, given that Crider has mental health issues and was homeless at the time. 

According to court documents, officers responded to a call of a victim suffering from stab wounds. Officers made contact with the defendant on the scene who stated that he was involved in a fist fight with the victim. The defendant was approached again later that day after the victim made contact with officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD. Crider allegedly confessed he had stabbed the victim stating “I beat that mother ***** up.”

Crider was arrested after officers found a knife in his left front pocket containing residue of dry blood and blood stains on his shirt. 

The victim suffered from five stab wounds, but is in stable condition.  

The prosecution said the victim was also homeless. They initially asked for 32 months, arguing that the victim now faces “a whole new universe of challenges.”

Judge Christain said he hopes Crider “returns under better conditions.”

No further dates were set.