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By
Adriana Marroquin
- January 13, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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A stabbing defendant withdrew a planned challenge to a finding he was competent to stand trial and accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 10.
Kenneth Garner, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Jan. 17, 2023, on the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE. One individual sustained life-threatening injuries.
On Sept. 19, 2024, following a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found Garner competent to stand trial, Janai Reed, his defense attorney, alerted Judge Brandt of her intent to contest the finding and hire an expert to evaluate the defendant.
During the hearing on Jan. 10, Reed told Judge Brandt she believed they could move forward and withdraw the challenge to the finding, stating that Garner was ready to take responsibility for his involvement in the incident.
The prosecution stated the deal required Garner to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment, and the dismissal of a misdemeanor case from 2022.
According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim attempted to go into an apartment in which he and multiple others, including Garner, were staying. Garner opened the door and stabbed the victim multiple times.
The prosecution added that the victim ran away as Garner chased after him trying to stab him again, and was able to get into a friend’s house, where he called 911. He was transported to the hospital with more than ten injuries to multiple organs, head, and torso.
The prosecution argued that Garner acted voluntarily and not in self-defense.
Garner agreed with the facts, and accepted the deal.
Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.