A stabbing defendant rejected a plea deal and opted to proceed to trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Oct. 9.
William Chambers, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on July 22 on the 700 block of Langston Terrace, NE.
According to court documents, Chambers and the victim were neighbors engaged in an ongoing dispute. The victim reportedly confronted Chambers and struck him in the face. Chambers then allegedly retrieved a butcher knife and stabbed the victim in his right thigh.
The prosecutor informed Judge Di Toro that they offered Chambers a plea deal that would require him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution would not pursue an indictment and request a sentence in the bottom third of the applicable guidelines.
“I’m rejecting it,” said Chambers and parties set a trial date in April 2026.
Following the rejection, Chambers’ attorney, Chidi Ogolo requested Judge Di Toro modify his release conditions. The stay-away order imposed by the court required Chambers to stay away from the victim and the incident location. Ogolo said the order restricted Chambers ability to live where he previously resided with his mother.
“I understand that you need to live somewhere,” said Judge Di Toro and granted the request. She issued a “NO HATS” order restricting Chambers from harassing, assaulting, threatening, or stalking behavior towards the victim. “That means stay away from [the victim],” said the judge.
Parties are set to reconvene on April 10, 2026.
