DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan allowed a defendant accused of stabbing a correctional officer the right to represent himself with standby counsel on Sept. 18.
Ovid Gabriel, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and unlawful introduction of contraband into penal institution for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of a correctional officer at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Aug. 3, 2025.
Before the hearing, Gabriel’s attorneys filed a motion to withdraw from the case. Defense attorney Kevin Irving told Judge Ryan that Gabriel refused legal assistance from himself and his co-counsel, Cynthia Rollins. Gabriel disputed Irving’s claim and said his attorneys refused to file motions he had requested…