DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones found probable cause in a stabbing case apparently resulting from a backyard argument during a preliminary hearing on Feb. 2.
Odalis Cisneros, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and first-degree burglary for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 500 block of Columbia Road, NW on Jan. 26. The victim sustained lacerations to his hand and face.
According to court documents, Cisneros allegedly forced her way into the victim’s apartment and stabbed him with a knife.
Prior to the hearing, the prosecution extended an offer to Cisneros that would require her to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree burglary. The prosecution stated that the assault charge carried a sentence of six-to-24 months and 12-to-36 months for burglary. In exchange, prosecutors would not seek an indictment with additional charges.
Theodore Shaw, Cisneros’ attorney, said his client rejected the offer and proceed with her preliminary hearing.
Prosecutors called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who wrote the arrest warrant for Cisneros to testify. He said that he responded to a call for someone banging violently banging on the victim’s door, which escalated to a stabbing.
The officer also said that upon arriving at the scene, he recovered a knife covered in blood. The prosecutor showed photos of the knife and the victim’s injuries, which the officer confirmed were consistent with being stabbed.
Through interviews with witnesses, the officer said he learned Cisneros and the victim had previous negative encounters. According to court documents, the victim reportedly threw dirty water into their shared backyard on multiple occasions angering Cisneros and causing tension between the two.
After the officer’s testimony, Judge Jones found probable cause that Cisneros committed the charges against her and ordered she remain held at the DC Jail pending her trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.
