Ray Stover, a 43-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., received a 10-year prison sentence last Friday for stabbing a Safe Passage Ambassador near Ron Brown High School. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., alongside Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Stover had previously entered a guilty plea in February 2025 to one count of assault with intent to kill in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Following his prison term, he will face a three-year period of supervised release.
The incident occurred on June 5, 2024, when the victim was performing his duties for D.C. Safe Passage, ensuring students' safe travels to and from school. He was stationed near 45th Street and Meade Street, NE. At approximately 12:30 p.m., Stover approached, yelling profanities, before attacking with a knife. The victim, who did not know Stover, was struck in the leg, causing him to fall. Stover then stabbed the victim six more times in his chest, back, and leg. The injured ambassador was subsequently found by neighbors who called 911, and he was transported to a hospital for multiple stab wound treatments.
The assailant was identified through Ring camera footage from a nearby residence, which recorded the assault. Stover was apprehended on July 23, 2024, and has remained in custody since then.
U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith credited the collaboration of investigative efforts by the Metropolitan Police Department and acknowledged the support from the U.S. Capitol Police, Metro Transit Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. They also recognized the contributions of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Hoover and Katerina Shelly in investigating and prosecuting the case.