Judge finds probable cause in stabbing case, orders defendant detained

By Maggie Rhoads, Emily Reed – June 14, 2024
Daily Stories | stab | Suspects |

Washington Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a June 13 stabbing case and denied the defense's request for release.

Hollyman McQueen, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a May 8 stabbing at the Washington Nursing Center in the 2400 block of 25th Street, SE.

According to court documents, McQueen was reportedly upset about finding a roommate at the facility. The two men argued over the lighting in the room and McQueen pushed the victim onto his bed and stabbed him in the back of the knee.

During the hearing, the prosecution called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who attended the scene.

According to the officer, when she spoke to McQueen at the scene, he claimed the victim had stabbed him. However, his statement was contradicted by several witnesses to the incident.

She also testified that the knife McQueen allegedly used to stab the victim was a kitchen knife with a brass handle and a silver blade. This knife was later found by detectives on the victim's bed.

McQueen's defense attorney, Henry Escoto, argued that there was no probable cause that McQueen committed the crime. He said the victim was taller and stronger than McQueen, which the officer agreed during cross-examination. Escoto insisted McQueen acted in self-defense.

Judge Raymond disagreed and found there was probable cause why McQueen stabbed the victim with a knife.

Escoto then requested that McQueen be released because he lives in a nursing facility, where he is actively undergoing treatment for mental health issues. The prosecution disagreed and requested that McQueen be held in prison.

Judge Raymond denied Escoto's request for release, citing McQueen's prior convictions, which include multiple misdemeanor charges, sexual abuse, indecent exposure and lewd acts. Judge Raymond considered him a danger to the community.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 20 with Washington Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

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