The judge grants the stabbing defendant’s request to represent himself

By Kelsey Ball
– October 18, 2024
Daily Stories | piercing | Suspicious |

D.C. Supreme Court Justice Errol Arthur on Oct. 17 granted a stabbing defendant’s request to represent himself in court.

Brian Long, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 23, 2023, in the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. One person was injured in the incident.

According to court documents, the suspect, later identified as Long, became enraged when he observed a person touching his “ride-along” bicycle with the bag on the handlebars. The suspect and the subject got into a verbal altercation that escalated after a female accomplice allegedly handed him a knife and then stabbed the subject in the back after she chased him.

Judge Arthur granted Long’s request to represent himself in court and appointed Long’s defense attorney, Howard McEachern, as his counsel. Judge Arthur had previously denied Long’s request, in addition to Long’s request for representation by a civilian.

In addition, a plea agreement was filed stating that if he pleads guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, prosecutors will not charge him with more serious charges.

I have long asked for additional time to make a decision.

The parties are scheduled to meet again on November 5th.