On April 4, a murder defendant alerted the court that he was waiving his right to independently test DNA evidence produced by prosecutors.
Juan Peterson, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of four individuals on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Lester Howard, 28, succumbed to his injuries from the attack. The other three victims were treated and released from hospitals.
Prosecutors told DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun they had tested the defendant’s car’s driver’s side console and door and had obtained DNA evidence. They also acquired more than 30 other evidence items, which were not tested for DNA.
When asked by the judge what he planned to do, the defendant stated he did not intend to independently test the evidence produced by prosecutors.
All parties are expected back in court for a trial readiness hearing on July 17.
