Stabbing Defendants’ Case Postponed to Consider Plea 

By Lucy Orgolini , Ella Munnelly - September 25, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing |

Four stabbing defendants were granted a continuance by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur Sept. 24 so they could discuss a plea deal from the prosecution. 

Ndiaye Elhadji, 24, Dionte Anderson, 25, Tyrone Hawkins, 22, and Dion Lee, 24, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with a sharp object, unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon. According to court documents, the four suspects allegedly stabbed another inmate. A corrections officer, who tried to intervene, was also injured in the melee.

Hawkins defense attorney Todd Baldwin requested the postponement on behalf of all four parties, although details of the prosecution’s offer weren’t immediately available. He also questioned why a separation order was imposed among the suspects but the court had no immediate answer.

Hawkins is currently held at the DC jail and wants a transfer to the medium security Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) where he can begin taking college courses. Baldwin told Judge Arthur that Hawkins has earned his high school diploma and is eager to continue his education.

Judge Arthur agreed to request a transfer. 

Elhadji’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, informed the judge that her client would like to travel to Liberia with his mother. Elhadji is the only one of the four defendants who is on release but must wear a GPS monitor.

“The request is understandable, but I can’t make that decision right now,” Judge Arthur said, noting that as a defendant, he is considered a flight risk. 

Parties slated to reconvene Nov 1.