Stabbing Case Delayed After Defendant Fails to Appear in Court

By Lindsay Mutzman [former] , Sonia Vazquez [former] - July 18, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

A stabbing defendant’s attorney requested his case be continued a third time, citing his severe injuries sustained in a shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 17. 

Harry Jhin is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside of home/business, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Dec. 12, 2021, on the 1500 block of 17th Street, NW. 

According to court documents, Jhin was escorted out of an establishment for behaving badly by a worker who Jhin allegedly stabbed in the neck. 

On July 16, in what was supposed to be a trial readiness hearing, Jhin failed to appear. Darryl Daniels, Jhin’s attorney, alerted the court he had been unable to appear, citing “immense pain” caused by 12-to-14 gunshot injuries sustained recently, which left him in a wheelchair.

Frustrated by Jhin’s failure to appear, Judge Salerno stated, “Last I checked, you can get to court in a wheelchair.” Judge Salerno told Daniels to ensure Jhin was present on July 17, or a bench warrant would be issued. 

On July 17, with Jhin present, Daniels requested the trial, previously scheduled for July 29, be continued due to the severity of Jhin’s injuries. 

However, the prosecution opposed the request, stating they have yet to receive any medical records or documents that state his condition or treatment plan.

Despite Judge Salerno arguing the case is “fairly old,” since it occurred in 2021, he granted the request for a continuation. A new trial date was scheduled for Nov. 19. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 1.