1 Month Later…Parties Continue to Discuss DNA Testing for Homicide Trial

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Almost an entire month later, parties continue to discuss the status of DNA testing in homicide case.

Kavon Young, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of 66-year-old John Pernell on July 3, 2010, on the 300 block of Nelson Place, SE. According to court documents, Pernell received multiple gunshot wounds during an alleged robbery that took a fatal turn.

During the Nov. 28 hearing, the prosecution and the defense had not yet decided what they would do regarding DNA testing. Considering it had been over 10 years since the shooting took place, the prosecution previously requested time to test additional evidence.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee granted counsel time to discuss next steps and offered to step in if there were disputes between the parties. Counsel has until the end of the day to decide if DNA evidence could be presented in trial. 

Judge Lee scheduled another status hearing for Dec. 8, so that counsel may update him in time for Young’s impending trial, which is scheduled to begin on Feb. 13.

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