Ray Stover, a 43-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 10 years in prison for stabbing a Safe Passage Ambassador in the Deanwood area of Northeast Washington. The sentence was announced on March 28, 2025, by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Stover admitted guilt to one count of assault with intent to kill in February 2025 at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. After his prison term, he will face a three-year supervised release period.
The incident occurred on June 5, 2024. The victim was on duty for D.C. Safe Passage, assisting students near Ron Brown High School. Around midday, Stover reportedly approached the victim, shouting profanities, and attacked with a knife. The victim, who was unfamiliar with Stover, was first struck in the leg and then stabbed six more times in various locations on his body. Neighbors responded by contacting emergency services, and the victim received hospital treatment for multiple injuries.
Security footage from a residential Ring camera captured the assault, helping authorities to identify Stover as the perpetrator. He was arrested on July 23, 2024, and has remained in custody since his capture.
U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith lauded the investigative efforts of the Metropolitan Police Department as well as the support received from various law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metro Transit Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. Recognition was also given to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Hoover and Katerina Shelly for their roles in the case.
