The fatal stabbing of a Marine last month in the District was a hate crime, according to a government attorney.
Michael Poth, 20, was charged in the stabbing and death of 23-year-old Philip Bushong near Barracks Row and appeared in court on Wednesday for a preliminary hearing.
Prosecutor Michael Liebman said the suspect stabbed Bushong after Poth witnessed the victim hug an openly gay friend. Liebman also mentioned Poth had used a gay slur.
The defendant’s attorneys say Poth stabbed the man in self-defense.
Two Marines entered the court before the hearing and told attorneys Poth had been given an other-than-honorable discharge for his conduct before last month’s stabbing.
Marines had been working on Poth’s discharge since November, according to Liebman, when he tested positive for using synthetic marijuana. He said Poth had also verbally assaulted other soldiers.
Poth was ordered to remain held without bond. He'll be in court again July 13.
