The victim and father of the defendant’s children requested no confinement or stay-away order be issued in his statement during sentencing before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on July 17.
Barbara Huff, 34, pleaded guilty on May 12 to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a domestic dispute. The incident occurred on the 1800 block of Maryland Avenue, NE on Feb. 11. The victim sustained a laceration to the right side of his forehead.
At Huff’s sentencing, the prosecution presented a written victim impact statement. The victim identified Huff as the mother of his children. He wrote that he never wanted charges pressed against Huff, claiming that “with family things get messy.”
Additionally, the victim said that he did not want a stay-away order issued and protested any confinement for Huff.
The prosecution requested that a sentence of 18 months in prison, all suspended but six with credit for time served be imposed. They argued that the knife Huff used was swung wildly, and that injuries could have been much worse if the weapon hit the victim’s eye or neck area.
Huff’s defense attorney, Damon Catacalos, claimed that Huff was off of her medication and dealing with substance issues at the time of the incident. He argued that she is now currently taking medication and doing better. Additionally, Catacalos noted that this offense was Huff’s first serious or aggressive offense. He requested probation, claiming that this sentence would be better for both Huff and her children.
When given the opportunity to speak, Huff told the court, “I take responsibility… whatever consequences I get, I accept.”
Judge Pipe sentenced Huff to 18 months in prison, with all suspended but time served, in addition to one year of probation. The judge also ordered that Huff comply with mental health services.
No further dates were set.
