Defendant in Shooting Case Plans to Independently Test DNA

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Before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, on June 14, the counsel for a homicide defendant stated an intention to perform independent DNA testing of evidence recovered at a crime scene.

William Brock, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 68-year-old Nathaniel Martin on Nov. 15, 2021, on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

As both sides prepare for trial, the prosecution alerted the court they have begun DNA testing of evidence.

Judge O’Keefe informed Brock of his right to independently perform DNA testing on evidence that likely contained his DNA or evidence that the prosecution did not test.

Brock’s attorney, Terrence Austin, informed the court that they would be conducting independent testing of DNA evidence.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 8.