Man Receives 30 Month Sentence for Stabbing

By Ben Dickson [former] , Lily Engel [former] - July 12, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to 30 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and other charges related to the incident. 

Walter Portillo, 27 is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), simple assault, and third-degree theft for his involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2023, on the 1300 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained a laceration to their forearm. 

According to court documents, Portillo and multiple individuals got into a verbal altercation, leading to Portillo throwing a punch at the victim, drawing a knife, and assaulting the victim who had also drawn a knife. The knife Portillo used was found in a trashcan on the north side of the 1300 block of Park Road, NW. 

The prosecution told Judge Arthur that the victim’s forearms were slashed, preventing the victim from using their arm for a yea. The victim is still unable to write.

“If you let this man free, then I am in danger,” read the victim’s impact statement, “he hates me because I’m trans.” 

According to the statement, the victim lives in fear of Portillo being released because there are many ways for the defendant to find out where the victim lives. “I am asking you not to let him out,” the victim stated.

The prosecution asked the judge to sentence Portillo to 40 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon, concurrent to 90 days in prison for simple assault and two second-degree theft charges. 

Defense attorney Gregg Baron asked Judge Arthur to make a request that while Portillo is incarcerated, he be placed in an institution where his mental health and substance abuse problems could be addressed. 

“He’s someone who’s trying to change the course of his life,” Baron stated.

Baron asked the judge to sentence Portillo to 30 months in prison with 10 months suspended while he’s on probation. He claimed that it is his experience that his clients receive more help on probation than on supervised release. 

“I need help with substance abuse,” Portillo said, acknowledging it had played a part in the incident. 

Along with the 30 months in prison, Portillo must also serve 18-months on probation for assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge Arthur suspended 10 months of the probation. He also gave Portillo 90 days for simple assault and two theft charges, which is slated to be served concurrently.

Additionally, Portillo will have to get help for his mental health and substance abuse issues, as well as take anger management courses. He will also have to pay $200 to the victims of violent crimes fund. 

“You’ll spend your next birthday incarcerated… unfortunately, for something that was avoidable,” said Judge Arthur during sentencing. “Imagine the fear that person has…because of your actions.”