Judge sentences defendant to six and a half years in prison for stabbing and possession of firearm

By Maggie Rhoads, Nykia Henderson – July 2, 2024
Stories of the day | stabbing |

On June 28, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced the assault defendant to six and a half years in prison.

April 23, Jeremiah Clark, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his role in a March 17 stabbing incident in the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, NE, in which one person was injured. He also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm in a July 19, 2023, incident in the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

Judge Salerno sentenced Clark to 60 months for assault with a deadly weapon and 18 months for possession of a firearm, to be served consecutively. Smith must also serve three years of supervised release and pay $200 to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.

According to court documents, Clark stabbed the victim while he was out on a possession charge. Clark asked the victim to return the two dollars Clark had loaned him, starting an argument that ended with Clark stabbing him.

During Clark’s sentencing, the prosecutor played surveillance footage showing Clark stabbing the victim in the ear and the left side of the body.

The victim’s injuries were so serious that she had to be treated in the intensive care unit, the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said she spoke to the victim, who seemed “cheerful” despite what happened to her.

Prosecutors had asked that Clark serve 23 months in prison for possession of a firearm and 49 months in prison for assault with a deadly weapon, with the sentences to be served consecutively.

Clark’s attorney, Anthony Smith, did not specify how many years Clark should serve, but simply asked that Clark receive mental health treatment. He described the case as “a progression of his past,” saying Clark was first admitted to a mental institution when he was 15.

Smith said Clark’s fiancée, who was in the courtroom, agreed to take him to psychiatric appointments and help him manage his mental health.

Judge Salerno said Clark had been on parole in the past but had not chosen to seek psychiatric treatment. Instead, Judge Salerno said, Clark chose to stab an innocent victim.

Clark said he regretted his behavior.

Judge Salerno left the decision on Clark’s treatment to the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DOC).

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