Murder Defendant Decides Not To Test Evidence

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 20, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Suspects | Victims |

A juvenile murder defendant decided to waive his rights to independently test evidence. 

Malik Holston, 17, is charged with first-degree murder while armed which was especially heinous, atocious or cruel committed against a witness to a criminal investigation or judicial proceeding, for his alleged role in the shooting of Gerald Watson, 15, on Dec. 13, 2018, on the 2900 block of Knox Place., SE. Holston is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license. 

As previously reported by D.C. Witness, Holston’s attorneys, Anthony W. Matthews and Nathaniel Mensah, said the defense wanted to conduct independent testing of the evidence. 

However, during a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 19, the defense told DC Superior Court Judge Danya A. Dayson that Holston changed his mind.

The defense also told Judge Dayson that a release request would be submitted at the next hearing on the grounds that the previous judge on the case, DC SUperior Court Judge Milton C. Lee, found probable cause and not substantial probability. 

The prosecutor said he would counter the release motions at the next hearing. 

Holston was 16 at the time of his arrest. He is being charged as an adult. 

Holston is scheduled for another trial readiness hearing on June 22. 

This article was written by Lea Gianasso.