A D.C. man has been slapped with a guilty verdict after a violent spree against his former girlfriend, the U.S. Attorney's Office reports. Barrington Hart, aged 36, faced judgement in Superior Court today for multiple assault charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon and significant bodily injury, obstruction, threats, and unlawful firearm possession.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Hart and his ex-flame had rekindled their rocky affair, only to ignite conflict over alleged infidelity. The quarrel escalated when Hart, doubting his paramour's loyalty, demanded to inspect her phone on July 27, 2023. Defiance was met with violence; he struck her with a firearm, resulting in a serious head wound that later required medical attention.
The ordeal didn't end there. Within days, another altercation broke out with Hart slapping the woman and menacing her with the same weapon. Fearing for her safety, she fled and sought help the following morning. These episodes led to Hart’s arrest on August 4, 2023, after which he continued his intimidation tactics from behind bars, instructing her via video calls to avoid testifying and sending threatening text messages.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith announced the conviction, with Superior Court Judge Jason Park setting the sentencing for the troubled District resident on May 31. Barrington Hart now awaits his fate, which could involve a lengthy prison stint for the string of charges resulting from his actions against a woman he previously professed to love.
