Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test Items Recovered From Scene

By Rhiannon Little [former] - August 17, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Documents | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Aug. 17, a homicide defendant waived his right to independently test items for DNA before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Jerome Israel, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 24-year-old Chaquan Barbett on Aug. 23, 2022, on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Israel is also suspected to be involved in a series of carjackings that occurred between Aug. 20 and Aug. 29, 2022. 

At the hearing, the prosecutor disclosed the items recovered in the case that could potentially be tested for DNA. From the scene of the homicide, investigators recovered shell casings, a baseball cap, and Barbett’s clothing.

From one of the vehicles recovered in the carjacking investigations, investigators obtained the suspected weapon used to kill Barbett as well as a juice bottle. Both items were tested for DNA and some inculpatory evidence leading to Israel was found.

Israel’s attorney, Janai Reed, said her client initially wanted items to be tested independently, but has decided to waive his rights following communication from the defense’s expert.

Judge Raffinan reminded the defendant that waiving his rights now would mean he might not be able to change his mind later. After asking several questions to confirm his understanding, the court accepted Israel’s waiver.

Parties are expected to return on Oct. 3 for a status hearing, which will be converted to an arraignment if the case is indicted.