DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld ruled on July 10 that, despite the defense’s disagreement, prosecutors had not committed any evidentiary violations in a domestic violence stabbing case.
Otis Ransom, 51, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence stabbing on Dec. 13, 2025 on the 1200 block of 3rd Street, NE.
According to court documents, the victim sustained multiple lacerations, allegedly at the hand of Ransom who, according to the victim was reportedly pressuring her to have sex with him.
The hearing began with the court arraigning Ransom on the charges against him. John Harvey, Ransom’s attorney, pleaded not guilty to all charges on his client’s behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested all evidence in the case.
Judge Hertzfeld then asked both parties to confirm that they were prepared for trial on July 16. The prosecution confirmed that they were but noted the defence was still having some issues accessing evidence.
Harvey stated that they were not ready for trial and said he was “extremely disappointed” at the prosecution’s purported failure to share evidence. “I have not seen any of the body-worn camera” footage, Harvey added.
Prosecutors said that they had put the relevant evidence on the digital portal that they use. However, Harvey said that he repeatedly attempted to log in to the portal but could not, even after requisitioning help from the prosecution’s IT department.
Despite this, Judge Hertzfeld ruled that the prosecution had not committed a violation at which point Harvey, visibly upset, objected, and argued the prosecution violated their evidentiary obligations.
Harvey stated that he alerted Judge Hertzfeld about his difficulty getting evidence at a previous hearing. A month-and-a-half later, the prosecution had still not complied, emphasized Harvey.
Judge Hertzfeld responded if he wanted her to step in he should have submitted a motion to compel the prosecution to share evidence earlier than the day before the hearing.
Parties agreed to reschedule the trial to Sept. 21.
Harvey also argued for release of his client with a stay-away order from the victim, referencing his previous arguments about evidentiary delays as well as noting that the client has been incarcerated since December 2025. However, Judge Hertzfeld denied this request, after the prosecution opposed Ransom’s release, citing the seriousness of the incident.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.
