DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a stabbing defendant to 48 months and 180 days of incarceration on Jan. 6.
Maurice Felder, 54, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1900 block of 7th Street NW, on Nov. 10, 2024.
During the trial, Felder told the jury that the victim, who was part of a group of young intoxicated individuals, according to Judge Edelman, made derogatory comments about unhoused individuals to Felder, who was experiencing homelessness at the time.
During the hearing, prosecutors requested “a lengthy sentence” citing the seriousness of the offense. They stated he has not shown remorse for his actions, and his multiple past incarcerations have failed to deter him.
Matthew Rist, Felder’s attorney, asked for a three year concurrent sentence, stating that “Mr. Felder felt like he was in danger… he was doing his best at the time to get treatment for PTSD.”
According to Rist, Felder endured a rough childhood, highlighting his being shot, his mother being murdered, and Felder sustaining an assault that ended with his jaw being wired shut.
“He endured a great deal of trauma,” Rist stated, arguing Felder “didn’t even know he struck the victim.”
Rist insisted Felder was outnumbered by the victim and his friends.
“I know that Mr. Felder regrets deeply,” his involvement.
“I did believe I was acting in self-defense, but respect the jury’s decision,” Felder told Judge Edelman.
“I wasn’t trying to hurt the young man,” he added, stating “I’m sorry for my presence in your courtroom.”
Judge Edelman highlighted the seriousness of the offense, claiming “this could’ve ended differently.”
He argued Felder had no legal claim of self-defense. However, he said “the laceration was actually quite small,” and the victim asked prosecutors if the case could be dropped.
Judge Edelman also stated that he disagreed with the prosecution’s claim that Felder wasn’t remorseful, quoting a statement made by Felder to a presentence report writer in which he said “I just made a big mistake.”
Judge Edelman highlighted Felder’s “noticeable and sincere change,” according to a jail worker, despite his lifelong adversity, including mental health issues, drug abuse, and surviving domestic violence.
“Mr. Felder, I think you’re capable of doing better than you have,” Judge Edelman told him, imposing a 48 month sentence for each of the assault charges, to run concurrently, and 180 days for the possession charge, which will be served consecutively to the assaults.
No further dates were set.
