Another Defendant’s DNA Found on Murder Weapon

By Jai Bajaj [former] - September 22, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Sept. 21, defense attorneys for Ravel Mills stated that another homicide defendant’s DNA was found on the firearm used in a 2020 murder. Prosecutors also stated that Mills’ DNA was not recovered from the murder weapon.

Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, on April 18, 2020. 

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective was questioned about three other shootings that the gun was linked to. One of the shootings, a destruction of property on April 26, 2020, occurred before Mills was arrested. According to cell phone location data, Mills was in the area in close proximity to the time of the shooting.

The other two shootings the gun is linked to occurred after Mills was arrested.

The detective previously stated in court in 2021 that there was nothing connecting Mills to any of the shootings. The defense noted this inconsistency in her testimony.

A MPD officer was also questioned in regards to his involvement in the investigation. 

Defense Attorney Kevin Mosley asked him about an alleged vial of PCP found in the area where Strong’s body was found. The officer is seen on camera speculating whether the altercation was over the vial. There is no evidence that the vial contained PCP. 

The defense’s case relies on the claim that Strong was high on PCP and was murdered by a PCP dealer.

The officer also mentioned that vials of PCP are usually in the hands of dealers, not users. 

Parties are expected to reconvene Sept. 25.