Murder Defendant Waives Rights to Independent DNA Testing

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A murder defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 23.

Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

It’s unclear what evidence the prosecution would test to show Cunningham’s alleged involvement in the murder. At the hearing, the court granted Cunningham’s defense attorney Thomas Healy’s motion to appoint Lisbeth Sapirstein as co-counsel.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 10.