Stabbing Defendant Acquitted on Self-Defense Grounds

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A jury returned a verdict of not guilty in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Sept. 25.

Amadelia Hernandez, 34, was acquitted of assault with a dangerous weapon for a stabbing incident that occurred on March 29 on the 400 block of Emerson Street, NW. One individual sustained an injury to the lower right side of the back.

According to court documents, Hernandez was alleged to have stabbed the victim after overhearing a conversation between the victim and another individual.

During the trial, Damon Catacalos, Hernandez’s attorney, argued that Hernandez was acting in self-defense, citing multiple incidents in which the victim threatened or assaulted Hernandez prior to the incident. 

The victim’s allegedly excessive drinking supported the defense’s argument. During testimony, the victim admitted telling doctors he went on a five-day drinking binge.

The jury acquitted Hernandez after six days in trial.

No further hearings are scheduled for this case