Two teenagers accused of violently assaulting a 19-year-old man known as “Big Balls” in Washington, D.C., have been hit with additional charges following an incident that sparked national attention. The attack, which occurred late at night as the victim defended his girlfriend from a gang, led to calls for federal intervention in the city’s safety crisis.
The alleged perpetrators, two 15-year-olds, were initially charged with unarmed carjacking after approaching the victims near their vehicle around 3 a.m. Police detained the suspects but said they are still searching for others involved. The victim, Edward Coristine, suffered severe injuries during the assault, which was later highlighted by former President Donald Trump on social media.
Trump condemned the violence, stating, “We just almost lost a young man… that got the hell knocked out of him,” and vowed to take control of D.C. if local authorities failed to address the crime wave. Despite this, a Biden-appointed judge recently ordered the release of one suspect, drawing criticism.
The two teens now face new charges, including assault and robbery. The female defendant was arraigned on two counts of simple assault, while the male defendant faces three counts of simple assault, one count of felony assault, and one count of robbery. A court social worker recommended moving the young woman to her parents’ custody under a 24-hour curfew, while the male suspect remains at home.
Details about the case remain limited due to the defendants’ minor status, including restricted access to police bodycam footage. A trial originally scheduled for late September has been delayed, with attorneys considering plea negotiations. The next court hearing is set for Sept. 24.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions over public safety in D.C., with critics demanding stricter accountability for violent crimes.
