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By
Kasey Nguyen [former]
- November 2, 2023
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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In a Nov. 2, hearing Daniel Mendoza waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at the scene of a crime.
Mendoza, 23, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He is alleged to have been involved in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 27 on the 3100 block of 16th Street NW.
According to court documents, Mendoza is alleged to have shot three victims, one of whom confronted him for an alleged sexual assault. The first victim sustained five gunshot wounds to his arms, legs, and rib, the second victim sustained gunshot wounds to his right buttocks and right knee, and the third victim received a gunshot wound that grazed her inner thigh.
After the shooting, the defendant allegedly fled the scene and was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on June 28. He was reportedly in possession of a firearm.
During the hearing, the prosecution explained to DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun that they would not be conducting any DNA testing on the firearm recovered from the defendant on June 28. However, they did conduct holistic testing referring to the bigger picture of evidence In the case.
Candace Mitchell, Mendoza’s defense attorney, stated that the defense was not seeking independent testing and Judge Okun accepted the defendant’s waiver.
Mendoza is expected to appear in front of Judge Okun on March 13 for a trial readiness hearing.