A defendant accused of a stabbing that left a victim with severe lacerations rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 7.
Osmin Vanegas Alvarez, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Dec. 29, 2024 on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE. The victim sustained severe lacerations to his arm, chest, and neck.
According to court documents, a verbal dispute between Alvarez and the victim allegedly escalated into a physical fight in which Alvarez stabbed the victim. Molly Bunke, Alvarez’s attorney, previously asserted at the preliminary hearing that Alvarez acted in self-defense.
On this occasion, Bunke informed parties her client rejected a plea offer from prosecutors. The prosecutor said if Alvarez pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with intent to kill, they would dismiss remaining charges and request the sentences run concurrently.
Judge Ryan confirmed with Alvarez that he rejected the plea deal and opted to proceed to a jury trial which the parties scheduled for Feb. 16, 2027.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a status hearing on May 6.
