2017 murder suspect remains held without bail

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At a motion hearing Jan. 31, Judge Danya Dayson ruled that a man accused of a fatal stabbing in 2017 will continue to be held without bail.

Police charged 30-year-old Leonard Martino Smith is allegedly responsible for the murder of 26-year-old Leonte Butler on March 11, 2017. The crime occurred on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

Smith has been charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles Willoughby stated that the government plans on introducing DNA evidence during the jury trial, which is scheduled for Dec. 10. Smith’s attorney, Dinah Manning, requested the government let the defense know what physical evidence is to be tested.

Smith’s defense team has until Feb. 9 to let the government know if they plan on having an expert serve as a witness during the trial.

A status hearing is scheduled for March 27.