A homicide defendant’s sister–also the victim’s daughter,–testified the accused was in an “irate state” leading up to the crime, in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 18
Seth Andrews, 38, has been indicted for first-degree murder, two counts of assault on a police officer, and destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the death of his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans, on the unit block of 35th Street, SE on July 16, 2020.
The prosecution called Andrews’ older sister. She described her relationship with Andrews as a “normal sibling relationship” and that she and her mom were on good terms. However, she testified that in the days leading up to Evans’ death, she was upset and worried about Andrews, who told his sister that his girlfriend was cheating on him.
On the day of Evans’ death, Andrews’ sister received a call from Andrews saying their mother was dead. She stated she was in disbelief and inconsolable and saw Andrews crying when she arrived at her mother’s apartment. She also testified she asked Andrews twice if he had killed her. When prosecutors asked why, she claimed that he was in an “irate state” before her death.
Andrews’ sister claimed that Andrews said he put Evans in a chokehold because he believed that his sister was more of a “mother figure” than Evans. His sister testified that Evans struggled with severe addiction affected Andrews during their childhood that may have prompted him to allegedly strangle his mother.
The prosecution also heard from the victim’s friend and roommate who testified that he lived with Evans for about a year when he worked in Silver Spring on weekdays while her son, Andrews, often stayed in the apartment during the week.
On the morning of Evans’ death, the witness noticed her bedroom light on, Andrews sitting on the couch, and possibly talking faintly. As he left for work around 5 a. m., Andrews remarked, “I know you don’t feel like going to work.”
Hours later, the witness learned from a neighbor that Evans had died. Afterward, the witness claimed Andrews kicked in the apartment’s top lock. The witness later encountered Evans’ daughter, who told him she believed Andrews killed her mother. The witness said Andrews later confronted him and accused him of “snitching.”
The witness described Evans and Andrews’ relationship as largely normal, noting Evans once defended her son and that Andrews felt comfortable in the home, though he sometimes entered the witness’ room without knocking.
The witness saw no conflict between them before Evans’ death.
He testified he heard no disturbances around the time the crime was committed and previously told investigators his limited sight and hearing due were an issue.
During cross-examination, the witness denied entering Evans’ room, knowing anything about a safe, or being aware of missing money, despite a statement suggesting the safe had been opened. The witness said he generally got along with Andrews, who once jokingly referred to him as a stepdad, though he refused Evans’ request to “handle her son,” saying he didn’t want to intervene in family matters.
The prosecution called a DNA analyst who studied evidence including four samples of blood and fingernail clippings. During the prosecution’s direct examination, she explained three out of the four samples more than likely contained Andrews’ DNA.
On cross examination, defense counsel, Kevin Irving, argued that since she used all the fingernails to extract DNA, no other lab could extract DNA.
Moreover, since she tested all the fingernails together, Irving claimed the analysis could not determine why another DNA profile was present on the fingernail or if another person’s DNA came from a specific fingernail.
Irving stated it’s possible secondary transfer of DNA from one person to another if both people touch a common object, could be a possible reason for Andrews’ DNA to appear on Evan’s body.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 19.
