Delays in DNA Testing Stall Homicide Trial

By Alayna Stein [former] , Sophia DeThomas [former], Marta Fernandez [former] - January 13, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

Defense counsel stated Jan. 13 that the current trial date is “not ideal” due to the lack of progress in DNA testing.

Terrence Prue, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing 39-year-old Bruce Wayne Gilmore.

The incident, which occurred on the 300th block of 22nd Street, SE on June 5, 2019, also left another victim injured. Prue was arrested in connection to this incident on Nov. 25, 2019.  

During the Friday hearing, defense counsel said he was still awaiting funding for DNA testing. The motion for defense to receive funding for proper DNA testing was filed, yet no progress has been made, he said. 

Defense Attorney James King said he believes that DNA evidence will prove Prue’s innocence in this case, yet delays in DNA evidence testing have caused the defense’s case to lag. 

When asked by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan for a status update, King admitted that the defense is falling behind because of these delays.

Conversely, the prosecution expects to be ready on time. 

The trial date, which was initially set for Feb. 13, has been moved to Sept. 4 2024, due to delays surrounding DNA testing. 

A status hearing is scheduled for Feb. 15 at 9:30 a.m. in order to discuss the standing of the DNA testing and ensure progress in the case is being made.