Man Accused in Fatal Stabbing Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

By Jeff Levine - December 18, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects |

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 18, Alton Rivers, 59, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter ending a longstanding homicide case. 

Rivers was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen and voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the death of Anthony Anderson, 68, on the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 27, 2018.

Since he was arrested Rivers has changed attorneys multiple times and appeared before three different judges. 

According to court documents Rivers and Anderson were engaged in an argument when the victim hit Rivers in the mouth.  In response, Rivers pulled out a screwdriver and fatally stabbed Anderson in the chest and abdomen.  

Rivers claimed he thought Anderson was armed.

Represented by Stephen Logerfo, Rivers agreed to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter.  

The offense carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.  However, the prosecutors said he reserves the right to “allocute” for the minimum sentence of eight years with credit for time served.  Rivers has been jailed since 2018.  

Judge Epstein asked Rivers if he understood that he was giving up his right to trial or to retract his guilty plea.  Rivers acknowledged his acceptance of the terms.  

The judge said in Rivers’ situation he doesn’t have to follow the sentencing guidelines.   “It’s my decision,” said Judge Epstein.

Logerfo argued for the penalty to be the five years Rivers has already served.  

Judge Epstein set a pre-sentencing hearing for Feb. 23, 2024.