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By
Ankush Dwivedi
- February 25, 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 Michael O’Keefe sentenced Willie Byrd, 61, to 180 months of incarceration and five years of supervised release on Feb. 21.
Byrd was convicted of aggravated assault while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for a stabbing that took place on Feb. 28, 2023, at the intersection of 2nd and D Streets, NW. The attack left a victim suffering from life-threatening injuries.
According to court documents, the victim required multiple life saving surgeries.
The prosecution stated that Byrd’s criminal history reflects a pattern of dangerous behavior and a failure to take steps toward rehabilitation. They sought a 228-month prison sentence.
Camille Wagner, Byrd’s attorney, argued that given his age and history of mental trauma, sentencing him to 228 months is “absurd” and essentially a “death sentence.” Byrd also claimed he acted in self defense.
After reviewing the evidence, Judge O’Keefe found no indication of self-defense. He pointed to Byrd’s history of armed robbery dating back to the 1980s and stated, “The guidelines are the guidelines, the penalties are the penalties,” before sentencing Byrd to 180 months in prison with five years of supervised release.
The defense mentioned that Byrd was planning on appealing the conviction within 30 days.
No further dates were set.