A stabbing defendant was released after DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced her to probation on July 31.
Tonya Elliott, 31, pleaded guilty on May 28 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing her romantic partner on Dec. 6, 2025, on the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. The victim sustained four wounds to his back.
At Elliot’s sentencing, the prosecution asked that she serve 12 months of confinement, with all but eight months suspended, followed by 18 months of supervised probation. In addition they asked for Elliot to receive mental health and anger management treatment from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).
The prosecutor acknowledged Elliott’s lack of criminal history, as well her mental health conditions, and shared hope that this sentence would motivate her to seek treatment.
Matthew Rist, Elliott’s attorney, asked for 12 months of confinement, with all time suspended but the almost eight she already served. Rist also asked for mental health treatment from CSOSA.
Rist explained that Elliott had become “unstable due to housing issues in 2023,” but had a support system at home willing to help her improve.
The victim was present in court, and addressed Judge Salerno in support of Elliott.
“That’s a good friend of mine,” he said. “I got a lot of love for her.”
The victim insisted he wanted Elliott to return home and that he intended to help her. He also confirmed he did not want the judge to order Elliott to stay away from him.
“We all fight demons in our life,” he concluded. “I don’t wanna see her locked up for nothing.”
Judge Salerno then allowed Elliott the opportunity to speak.
“I just wanna apologize,” Elliot stated.
Judge Salerno sentenced Elliott to 12 months of confinement with all time suspended, in favor of 12 months of supervised probation. The judge also ordered a “NO HATS” order, that Elliott cannot harass, assault, threaten, or stalk the victim.
Judge Salerno also ruled that Elliott must comply with an intervention plan for her mental health, and said “CSOSA should not be shy” with proposing a probation show cause hearing if needed.
No further dates were set.
