Parties disputed the specifics of a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 4.
Donea Williams, 31, and Ashley Brown, 26, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Dec. 8 2024 at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and 28th Street, SE while aboard a Metro bus. One person was seriously injured.
Parties are in disagreement about the factual details of the plea specifically an aggravated assault while armed charge. The prosecution defended its inclusion, citing the medical report, which stated that the victim experienced injuries “with the potential for life-threatening deterioration.”
The defense argued that there was not sufficient evidence that the victim sustained serious bodily injury, which is a necessary component of an aggravated assault charge.
Judge Kravitz concurred with the defense. He stated that the victim’s transfer to two medical facilities and the victim’s release from the hospital shortly after their arrival demonstrated that the victim was not facing “substantial risk” from his injuries. Furthermore, he noted that the medical records’ terminology only showed a potential for such risk.
Williams’ defense attorney, Russell Hairston, argued for her release. He noted that her mother and sister were present in the courtroom and would support her upon release. Hairston also mentioned that Williams has a son to take care of. He argued that Williams should be placed on 24-hour monitoring. Brown’s defense attorney, Peter Cooper, requested the same conditions.
Judge Kravitz denied release to both defendants, stating that such actions would be unreasonable due to their potential acceptance of a plea deal in the coming weeks.
The prosecution will determine whether a new plea agreement can be created without the aggravated assault charge.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 15.
