FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 11, 2023

Defendant Attacked Roommate in Her Home After a Physical Altercation

            WASHINGTON – Jose Avelino Felipe, 45, pleaded guilty to stabbing his female roommate in 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            Avelino Felipe pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of assault with intent to kill. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2023.

            According to the government’s evidence, on December 4, 2021, the defendant and his wife were living in the same apartment as the victim and her husband. That evening, the defendant and the victim’s husband got into a physical altercation in the home. Both men left the home after the altercation. Shortly thereafter, the defendant returned to the home, where the victim remained. The defendant came to her bedroom and asked whether she would call the police. She stated she would not. Nevertheless, the defendant then stabbed the victim twice with a knife, once in the chest, and once in her left shoulder. The defendant fled the apartment before police arrived.

            Both the victim and her husband required emergency surgery for their injuries. The victim continues to recover from her injuries.

            The Metropolitan Police Department Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended the defendant on May 23, 2023.

            In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, which investigated the case. He also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Covert who investigated and prosecuted the case.