DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a defendant in a stabbing case to probation after suspending the majority of her prison term on Feb. 20.
Michelle Bowman, 35, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing that occurred near the Suitland Parkway exit on I-295 on Sept. 24. According to prosecutors, Bowman attacked her ex-girlfriend with a knife during an argument inside a vehicle after attempting to slash the tires when the victim pulled over.
Bowman’s sentence included 48 months of confinement, all suspended except for time served, followed by 2 years of supervised probation and 3 years of supervised release. She must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violence Crime Fund, comply with an intervention plan through the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, CSOSA, and stay away from the victim.
During the hearing, the victim described the financial and emotional impact of the incident. She explained that her car was towed after she was taken to the hospital and later accidentally totaled by a private towing company. She also reported losing her personal property, including a laptop and AirPods, after the vehicle was transferred to a private towing company. The judge informed her that those losses would need to be addressed in civil court.
The prosecution requested a 60-month sentence with 20 months of supervised probation, noting the seriousness of the offense.
Defense attorney Joseph McCoy highlighted Bowman’s limited criminal history, difficult childhood, strong family support, and progress in therapy while incarcerated, proposing an 18-month sentence with time served and probation.
Bowman addressed the court,accepted responsibility and apologized to the victim. She described how she was dealing with a lot on the day of the stabbing and emphasized with the victim.
“Please consider my life, accountability, regret, and want to get better in the sentencing,” she told the judge.
After weighing the statements given, Judge Salerno stated he believed Bowman was sincere and considered her rehabilitation efforts and low likelihood of reoffending.
No further proceedings have been scheduled in this case.
