McDonald’s Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to Five Years for ‘Unprovoked Attack’

By Jeff Levine , --- staff --- - August 20, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

A defendant with an extensive criminal history was sentenced to five years “straight time” for a stabbing attack by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Aug. 20. 

During the hearing, the prosecutor played graphic video of a confrontation between Reginald Pickett, 63, a female German tourist, and a concerned citizen at a busy McDonald’s restaurant on the 1300 block of  New York Avenue, NW around 6 p.m. on April 16.  

In May, Pickett pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for the incident.  

According to court documents, when Pickett entered the restaurant he yelled, “I hate all of you white people…’I will kill all of you!”

The surveillance video shows a suspect, identified as Pickett, appearing to argue with a patron, who was said to be a German tourist, seated at a table.  The prosecutor explained that Pickett pulled out a knife and threatened the woman.  

At that point another individual in the restaurant intervened, trying to protect the woman and pushed Pickett outside of the restaurant. The pair scuffled and both were seen in the video wrestling on the sidewalk. Then the prosecutor says Pickett stabbed the victim in the head and cut his ear.

At that point other people intervened including the German tourist’s traveling companion until officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived.  

The prosecutor called the crime “very concerning” in that it occurred in a busy public place with children present.  She characterized the attack as “wholly unprovoked.”  

Further, the prosecutor pointed out that Pickett has a 40 year criminal history including charges of attempted murder, armed robbery and multiple drug-related incidents.  She speculated that the crime was fueled by drug use in that Pickett was admittedly high on PCP at the time.

Given the serious nature of the offense, the prosecution recommended Pickett serve 63 months jail time.  

Pickett’s attorney, Angela Ramsay said that Pickett “knew he was wrong,” and what happened was unfortunate for all involved.  However, she cited Pickett’s severe mental health issues and that “something has to change.” 

In passing the sentence Judge Salerno said, “I hope, when you think this over you understand you’re getting too old for this.”  He noted that PCP and weapons were often a “lethal combination.”  

Judge Salerno sentenced Pickett to 60 months “straight time” meaning no credit for time served.  Following the prison term, Pickett will be on supervised provision for three years.  He is also required to pay $100 under the Victims of Violent Crime Act.   

The judge recommended Pickett serve his time in a federal facility where drug rehabilitation programs were available. 

“Good luck,”  Judge Salerno said to Pickett, and, “I hope this is the end.”