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By
Yvianna Estrella
, Keirah Chen - February 12, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Suspects
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A defendant signed away his right to a preliminary hearing and then tried to rescind it after being denied release in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 11.
Ankintola Olowofoyeku, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on a Metro bus on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW last July 21. The victim suffered cuts to the right hamstring, left forearm, and left middle finger.
At the beginning of the hearing, Olowofoyeku waived his right to a preliminary hearing and Judge Herrmann made sure the action was given freely and voluntarily.
Olowofoyeku’s defense attorney, Santia McLaurin, requested that Olowofoyeku be released on GPS monitoring. She emphasized that Olowofoyeku has a stable job and would lose his home if he was not released.
The prosecutor opposed the request, acknowledging that the defendant has a history of violent convictions, and alerted Judge Herrmann that the nature of the offense called for an extended detention period.
Judge Herrmann denied the defense’s request and expressed her concern, stating “I find by clear and convincing evidence there are no conditions I could set to ensure the safety of the community.”
Then Olowofoyeku told McLaurin that he had changed his mind and wanted to rescind his waiver of a preliminary hearing. Judge Herrmann noted his consent was given knowingly and advised the defense to file a motion for reconsideration.
Parties are slated to reconvene on March 13.