Homicide Defendant Asserts Right to Test DNA Evidence

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A homicide defendant asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 14.

Tywan Morris, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside his home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey on Oct. 17, 2021. The incident took place at a gas station on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to the police affidavit, on the evening of the incident, Morris and his girlfriend Keyjuana Sinclair, 27, were getting gas when Stuckey allegedly approached them at the pump.

A dispute ensued, captured on the gas station’s security cameras. According to the affidavit, the footage showed Sinclair allegedly swinging at Stuckey with a knife. Stuckey’s 12 year-old son ran to the scene, but fled immediately once Sinclair allegedly lunged at him.

Sinclair was originally charged alongside Morris, with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon for her alleged involvement in the incident. Sinclair accepted an agreement on Nov. 7, 2024, pleading guilty to carrying a dangerous weapon and simple assault, in return for the prosecution’s dismissing the remaining charges in her case.

During the hearing, Morris’ defense attorney Steven Kiersh alerted Judge Ryan that his client planned to assert his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the scene – including clothing, suspected blood, and a cellphone, among other items.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 27.