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By
Amber Fienagha
- March 11, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a defendant to 36 months of incarceration for his involvement in a stabbing during a hearing on March 4.
On Oct. 4, 2024, Jose Garcia Fuentes, 43, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for a stabbing incident that occurred on April 4, 2024 on the 4400 block of 14th Street, NW.
During the hearing, prosecutors described how Garcia Fuentes entered a place of business and suddenly attacked a patron, prompting the business owner to step in and try to remove him. During the struggle, Fuentes stabbed the victim, leaving wounds on his face and hands.
In court, prosecutors read the victim’s statement, which described the lasting trauma from the attack. “My life has completely changed. I am unable to live my life peacefully. The only thing left for me is to thank the justice system,” the victim said.
Prosecutors pushed for a 60-month sentence, arguing that the violent nature of the attack vindicated it. They emphasized that the attack was unprovoked and that Garcia Fuentes displayed extreme aggression. They also pointed out that there was no evidence showing the defendant suffered any injuries, reinforcing their argument that the use of force was unexplainable.
Garcia Fuentes’ defense attorney, Henry Escoto, argued that the defendant had no intentions of assaulting an individual and only acted in self-defense during the incident. According to Escoto, three individuals pushed Jose outside which caused him to react. Escoto highlighted the victim’s failure to complain about his serious injuries in his statement.
Escoto also explained that Garcia Fuentes is not a US citizen, which deprived him from receiving medical treatment for a gunshot wound to his leg at the jail. Escoto insisted that a high-end sentencing would add on to the already lengthy process of deportation after his release.
“I think this is an unfair case. What they tried to do was really bad,” Garcia Fuentes told Judge Hertzfeld.
Nonetheless, Garcia Fuentes was sentenced to 36 months of incarceration for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, and 90 days for the simple assault, with sentences running concurrently. He is also required to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF)
No further dates were set.