DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied release for a stabbing defendant after she waived her preliminary hearing of the initial evidence on April 1.
Sarita Middleton, 45, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred at a Popeyes restaurant on the 1700 block of Columbia Road, NW on Feb. 11.
According to court documents, Middleton allegedly threatened a restaurant employee with a knife after they informed her that she could not eat there since they were closing. The manager attempted to disarm her and sustained a minor laceration to their arm.
After Middleton waived her right to a preliminary hearing, her attorney, Russell Hairston, argued in favor of release.
Hairston highlighted that Middleton has a steady job, a supportive family in the area, and lives far away from the crime scene. He requested supervised release with electronic monitoring.
The prosecutors argued that there was a serious concern for public safety due to the incident involving strangers. They also expressed that her criminal history, including an attempted escape and Bail Reform Act (BRA) conviction, indicates she may not return to court once released.
Hairston reminded Judge Herrmann that Middleton’s danger to the community was resulted from mental health issues and that she now understands the importance of taking her medicine.
Judge Herrmann agreed that the nature of the offense is concerning and highlighted the prosecution’s strong evidence. She also said there is no guarantee that taking medication will stop this from happening again.
As a result, Judge Herrmann decided that there are no conditions that will protect the community and that Middleton will be held without release.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24.
