The prosecution asked DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to instruct US Marshals to use force on a stabbing defendant who refuses to appear in court on March 3.
Rubin Holman, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE on Oct. 4, 2022.
According to court documents, the stabbing occurred in a local CVS pharmacy. The victim worked at the store and reportedly called out Holman for attempting to steal sodas and a bag of Doritos.
The victim reported that he warned Holman he would call the cops. Court documents state that Holman allegedly replied,“I’m not one of those regular dudes! I’m gonna kill you!” When Holman was asked to leave by the victim, he allegedly attacked and stabbed the victim in the neck.
According to court records, Holman refused to attend court or had a medical scratch for at least 12 hearings, since the case was opened in December 2023. Judge Kravitz said the only recent appearance in court by Holman was so he could receive new counsel.
When Holman was not present for the hearing, US Marshals reported he was once again a medical scratch and not brought from the DC Jail.
Due to his history of not attending hearings, the prosecution argued Holman should have his right to a speedy trial waived and asked Judge Kravitz to “instruct the US Marshals to use force to bring Holman to court.”
Holman’s attorney, Terrence Austin, disagreed and emphasized that forcing Holman to attend would likely result in an unproductive hearing.
Austin told the court that he intends to speak with his client at the jail and encourage him to come to court, reporting that Holman requested a new attorney. However, Austin cannot withdraw from the case unless Holman appears in court.
Austin requested Judge Kravitz give him one more chance to convince Holman to appear in court.
Judge Kravitz granted the request, restraining the US Marshals until the prosecution filed legal arguments to support their request.
“Without knowing what the law is on this, it would not be wise to issue an order,” Judge Kravitz said.
Parties are slated to reconvene on March 11.
