Judge Waives Prelim Hearing, Denies Release in ‘Incredibly Disturbing’ Incident

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DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond accepted a stabbing defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing, and denied his release during a Jan. 21 hearing. 

Michael Hudley, 56, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Jan. 15 at the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. The victim sustained injuries to their lower back. 

Hudley’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, alerted Judge Raymond that Hudley wished to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested his release, emphasizing his non-violent nature and severe medical issue that confine him to a wheelchair.

The prosecution opposed the request, highlighting Hudley’s previous criminal charges including carrying a pistol without a license and a misdemeanor drug case. 

Judge Raymond described the incident stemming from a disagreement “over five dollars” as “incredibly disturbing”, ultimately deciding that the presumption for detention had not been rebutted and denying Hudley’s release. 
Hudley’s next hearing is scheduled to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow for February 18.