On Aug. 30, a homicide defendant requested more time to decide whether he wants to waive his right to DNA testing in front of D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.
Lavaughn Barnes, 32, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Abdul Arias-Lopez, 59, that occurred on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE. Arias-Lopez’s dismembered body was recovered in Barnes’ backyard on Feb. 3, 2023.
The prosecution announced that they had completed testing on DNA, fingerprints found at the scene, and other biological evidence related to the incident.
When Barnes was asked if he wished to waive his rights to DNA testing, his attorney, Jason Tulley, alerted the court that he needed more time to make a decision.
Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 1.
