On Oct. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a defendant’s waiver of his right to independent DNA testing.
Delonte Jackson, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 44-year-old Artavarn Wagner on March 3, 2022, on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE.
The prosecution stated that its testing has been conducted on cartridge casings found at the scene and swabs from a vehicle–as well as a firearm allegedly recovered by police, which the prosecution states it also intends to test.
The prosecution also has autopsy evidence including fingernail clippings, which they do not intend to test at this time.
Jackson’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, stated that Jackson understands his right to test evidence and chooses to waive his right.
A status hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22.
