Sisters Denied Bail in High-Profile D.C. Bus Stabbing Case, Judge Cites Violent Attack

Washington, D.C. – A local judge refused to release two sisters implicated in a violent assault that transpired aboard a public bus in December, citing the severity of the incident. The case surrounding Donea Williams, 30, and Ashley Brown, 26, continues to develop as they face charges of assault with intent to kill while armed.

The incident, which occurred on Dec. 8, took place on a bus at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and 28th Street, SE. Authorities allege that the attack was premeditated and involved coordination between the two sisters. In early January, both women waived their right to a preliminary hearing where their lawyers sought their release pending trial.

During a bond review on Jan. 17, new evidence was introduced by the prosecution, including video footage from the bus’s surveillance cameras and troubling photos of the victim’s injuries, which showed a stab wound on the left side of the face and multiple back wounds. These images were taken during the victim’s hospitalization.

The video evidence included footage from inside and outside the bus. According to prosecutors, the external video shows Williams armed with a knife just moments before the assault took place. The prosecution argued that this evidence supports the theory of a planned attack, noting that Brown had strategically called her sister to the scene.

In defense, Brown’s attorney, Peter Cooper, contended that the meeting between the sisters was innocent and unplanned. However, the strength of the visual evidence presented appeared to undercut this argument.

After careful consideration of the evidence and arguments, Judge Neal Kravitz emphasized the waived preliminary hearing’s significance, where probable cause could have been more thoroughly contested. He described the assault as “incredibly violent and dangerous” before denying the motion for their release.

The sisters are scheduled to return to court on Feb. 14 for further proceedings, where more details of the case will likely emerge. This case highlights ongoing concerns about safety on public transit and the legal system’s response to violent crimes in urban settings.

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