Washington DC jail stabbing suspect sentenced to 48 months in prison on other charges

By Mackenzie Konjoyan
– June 28, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | stab | Suspects |

On June 27, Washington Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a stabbing defendant to 48 months.

Shaquille Bynum, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on January 6, 2023, at the D.C. Jail in the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The incident left one person suffering from nine wounds and a collapsed lung.

According to court documents, Bynum was involved with other inmates in the stabbing in the recreation room, attacking the victim while he was at a table playing cards.

The prosecution argued that Bynum played a major role in assaulting the victim and then detaining her while others also stabbed her. This incident occurred while Bynum was awaiting sentencing for voluntary manslaughter while armed in another case.

Stephen Brennwald, Bynum's defense attorney, argued that the nature of the stabbing was more nuanced than initially thought. Bynum said the victim had bullied him earlier in the day and the incident was in retaliation.

Brennwald said he saw growth in Bynum while working with him on his previous case and thought enrolling in the Challenge program to help rebuild inmates' lives would be beneficial.

“Since then, I've been trying to become a better person and make better decisions,” Bynum said after taking full responsibility for his actions.

Judge Brandt explained that Bynum's actions were calculated and foolish, especially in the context of her other case. Technically, the sentence for the stabbing could have been harsher, but Judge Brandt made it clear that her decision was based on Bynum's criminal history prior to his most recent conviction.

Bynum's sentence is expected to run consecutive to his 120-month sentence for involuntary manslaughter. Bynum must also serve three years of supervised release and pay a $100 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).

Judge Brandt will also recommend that Bynum be placed in the Challenge program at FCI Schuylkill in Pennsylvania.

Judge Brandt told Bynum she was trying to give some hope to anyone facing lengthy sentences. She urged Bynum to use the time to “feed his spirit” and prepare to do his best when he is released.

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