Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Opts for Trial

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A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution in front of DC Superior Judge Rainey Brandt in a hearing on July 23. 

Williams Azocar-Salas, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on April 7 on the 1300 block of Clifton Street, NW. A victim suffered minor cuts from the incident. 

During the hearing, the prosecution extended an offer to Azocar-Salas, requiring him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for them not seeking more serious indictment charges.

Julie Swaney, Azocar-Salas’ attorney, stated her client intended to reject the offer and proceed with a trial. 

Judge Brandt, who was standing in for DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro, informed parties that she will wait for Judge Di Toro to set the trial date upon her return. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a status hearing on Sept. 13.