Judge Won’t Release Stabbing Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ruled a stabbing defendant will remain detained in light of new evidence on Dec. 2.

Maurice Felder, 53, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on the 1900 block of 7th Street, NW on Nov. 10. One person sustained a stab wound to his chest.

According to court documents, the altercation came after a verbal argument between the victim and Felder.

During the hearing, Matthew Rist, Felder’s attorney, asked Judge Pipe to review newly obtained cell phone footage of the incident. According to Rist, the affidavit inaccurately presented the cell phone footage and argued that he should be released because the footage offered a new perspective on the crime.

Moreover, Rist argued that Felder was trying to get away from the victim and a group of individuals until cornered against a wall. Additionally, he mentioned that the witness who recorded the event can be heard encouraging the victim to attack Felder.

Judge Pipe viewed the footage taken from a cell phone, which depicted the two individuals arguing and the victim allegedly cornering Felder near a wall. All the while, the victim was being cheered on. Immediately following, someone noticed a knife and the victim was stabbed in the chest as everyone fled.

Judge Pipe focused on the fact that the victim was stabbed while trying to get away from Felder. She announced that he was not necessarily cornered into a wall, but unsure of which side a jury would favor if presented at trial. She continued by saying that, at the very least, probable cause exists.

Judge Pipe ruled that Felder must remain detained while the case progresses.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 17.