A murder defendant chose to wait to waive his right to independent testing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on July 11, after his co-defendant passed away last week.
Emmanuel Lewis, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kwame Keith, 25, on the 1800 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, on Oct. 30, 2023.
George Pendleton, 43, was charged with accessory after the fact to murder and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in the same incident.
According to court documents, Pendleton passed away on July 5. The prosecutors have since dismissed his case.
During the hearing, the prosecution listed the evidence that would be admitted to the case as swabs of suspected blood that was found on the wall at the scene of the incident, a black leather glove and swabs of the top of a trashcan.
Prosecution also said they were in the process of waiting for another round of testing from Signature Science.
Lewis’ defense attorney, Russell Hairston, alluded they are not planning on requesting independent testing, however requested that they do not make a final decision until after all testing is complete.
Therefore the judge decided to hold off on waiving independent testing right until further notice.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct 3.
