DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied a request for a stabbing defendant’s release on Aug. 1 after the defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Andre Thomas, 55, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on the 1800 block of 7th St, NW, on July 29.
Since Thomas waived a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him ,Judge Hildum found probable cause Thomas committed the crime and send the case to a grand jury immediately.
Thomas’ attorney, Lola Ziadie, asked Judge Hildum to release her client pending trial. She argued Thomas was a victim in the incident, since he had also been stabbed during the altercation on July 29.
In support of her request for Thomas’ release, Ziadie noted that he had employment. She said Thomas’ wife worked as a mental health provider who could ensure he received proper treatment for his diagnosed mental health conditions while on release.
The prosecution opposed releasing Thomas, since he was accused of a crime of violence in which the victim was stabbed twice and had to receive stitches. The prosecution also mentioned that Thomas had an extensive criminal history, including domestic violence offenses.
Judge Hildum acknowledged the seriousness of the offense and Thomas’s domestic violence history. He also noted Thomas’ positive test results for multiple drugs in his system upon his arrest.
With this in mind, Judge Hildum denied Thomas’ release for the safety of the community.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 7.
