A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on March 16.
Shamika Crawford, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to injure or kidnap a person, and destruction of property less than $1000 stemming from her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Jan. 6 on the unit block of Anacostia Road, SE.
Crawford allegedly had a verbal dispute with the victim, who she was in a relationship with at the time, that led to physical violence. According to court documents, police reported to the scene earlier in the day for the dispute, but were unable to contact Crawford inside the house.
After an hour the police returned to the same address in response to a call about a fight, allegedly involving Crawford and the victim. Court documents stated that the victim was seen with lacerations on his left arm, which he claimed were inflicted by Crawford. Crawford also allegedly sliced his tires with the same weapon.
The prosecution extended an offer that required Crawford to plead guilty to one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange the prosecution would dismiss all other charges.
Crawford declined the plea offer, and stated she would like to move towards a trial.
However, John Machado, Crawford’s attorney, stated he is open to continuing negotiations with the prosecution pending indictment. The deadline is Oct. 7. Machado recently received body-worn camera footage from the incident and intends on filing a counter offer after speaking with Crawford.
Machado requested a change in release conditions for Crawford, citing her full compliance and lack of a criminal record. The change would remove the current GPS monitoring, but keep the stay away order in place for the complainant.
Judge Pipe granted the motion.
Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 8.
