DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover found probable cause for charges against a stabbing and domestic violence defendant on Sept. 26, and denied her release.
Michelle Bowman, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing of her partner on Sept. 24 on I-295 southbound lanes, near exit four.
During the hearing, the prosecution called to the stand an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who responded to the scene of the crime on Sept. 24. The officer testified the victim was found lying on the ground in a pool of blood, in and out of consciousness. The victim, who is still hospitalized, identified Bowman as the suspect by her full name and birthdate, claiming she was the individual responsible.
The officer also traveled to George Washington University Hospital with the victim and stated the victim was treated for two four-tosix inch cuts, on both her left and right arm. One cut was down to the bone. When interviewed by a detective, the victim relayed she had picked Bowman up from her Maryland home and they instantly began arguing. Bowman requested the victim pull over and allegedly proceeded to throw various items from the car onto the road, including the glasses the victim’s was wearing.
According to the officer, the victim alleged Bowman slashed the back two tires with a knife the victim kept in car. Bowman allegedly swung at the victim with the knife,stabbing her.
When the officer returned to the station to begin filing a report, Bowman was there to allegedly turn herself in and talked to a detective. During the investigation Bowman said the stabbing was unintentional, stating she was merely “swinging” the knife.
Defense attorney Joseph McCoy argued Bowman was acting in self-defense. Bowman claims that she had attempted to de-escalate the conflict before the stabbing occurred by trying to get out of the car, but was blocked by the victim.
The prosecution argued Bowman seriously endangered the victim knowingly. The judge then ruled there was probable cause for the charges, arguing the harm inflicted meets the “pretty low standards of probable cause”.
McCoy argued for her release due to her caregiving responsibilities,maintaining her business and limited criminal history. In opposition, the prosecution emphasized the need for continued detention due to the severity of the injury sustained by the victim, Bowman’s history of domestic violence, and her risk to public safety.
The judge sided with the prosecution, citing the severity of the offense and evidence suggesting Bowman’s violent behavior is “escalating” and “concerning.”
The parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 17.
Sage Arpaia
