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By
Sophia Cooper
- May 7, 2025
Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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A defendant accused of a stabbing rejected a plea deal and opted to proceed to trial during a hearing on May 5 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.
John Scogins, 54, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 9, 2024 at a bus stop on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.
According to court documents, Scogins, the victim, and a third individual were aboard a Metrobus when a verbal argument between Scogins and the victim escalated to a physical altercation and resulted in a stabbing.
At the last hearing on March 21, Judge Brandt ordered Scogins to attend an outpatient drug treatment program. A representative of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) informed the court that Scogins completed treatment but noted a recent positive drug test for cocaine. The PSA representative added that Scogins is compliant with his pretrial conditions, including no GPS infractions.
Alvin Thomas, Scogins’ attorney, asserted that Scogins did not test positive since the last hearing and asked the judge to maintain his release conditions.
The prosecution agreed Scogins is overall more compliant and that most issues were addressed at the last hearing.
Judge Brandt remarked that Scogins appeared well and showed a marked improvement than before she imposed his current pretrial conditions.
During the hearing, Scogins also rejected an offer extended by the prosecution to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.