Preliminary Hearing Delayed For Plea Offer in A Stabbing

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DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover granted a stabbing defendant’s request for a continuance on Dec. 3 so he can decide on a a plea offer.

Marshal Baxster, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 3000 block of R Street, NW on Nov. 29. One person sustained an injury to the right wrist.

According to court documents, Baxster was allegedly going through a bag that was left unattended in a park. As the owner was walking up to stop Baxster from taking his things, Baxster allegedly punched the victim in the face and took off with his belongings on a bike. The victim gave chase on foot and eventually caught up with Baxster.

After being stopped, Baxster allegedly pepper sprayed the victim’s face and then produced a knife, swinging at the victim. One of the swings connected causing a deep laceration to his right wrist, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Baxster’s defense counsel, Shawn Sukumar, asked Judge Glover if he would grant a continuance so Baxster could finalize his decision regarding a plea deal that would resolve multiple cases.  

According to the prosecution, the offer would require Baxster to plead guilty to attempted assault with a deadly weapon in the stabbing case and plead guilty to simple assault in a sex abuse case. 

In return, the prosecution would cap their sentencing request at the bottom of the guidelines for the attempted assault with a deadly weapon charge and cap the simple assault charge at 180 days total suspended.

Judge Glover granted the continuance. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 19.