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By
Elizabeth Brady
- October 28, 2024
Court
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Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Victims
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A jury convicted a stabbing defendant on both counts following a one-day trial in DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld’s court on Oct. 4.
Jose Garcia Fuentes, 43, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for his role in a stabbing incident that transpired on April 24 on the 4400 block of 14th Street, NW.
According to court documents, an individual identified as Garcia Fuentes entered a restaurant and started an unprovoked fight with another patron. After the defendant kicked the patron, the complainant defused the situation. As events unfolded, the defendant produced a knife and allegedly slashed the victim’s face and hand. After a struggle, Garcia Fuentes escaped.
Defense attorney Henry Escoto insisted throughout the trial that Garcia Fuentes used self-defense to protect himself from the victim, who used brute force to kick him out of the restaurant.
The prosecution argued that the defendant acted with malicious intent during the verbal and physical altercation while intoxicated.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12.