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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- February 13, 2017
Court
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Homicides
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Suspects
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New evidence may be introduced in the murder trial against 33-year-old Rashad Allen.
According to police, Allen is responsible for fatally shooting David Simmons, 32, in March 2015 on the 2300 block of Hartford St., SE.
In a status hearing today as the case gears up for trial, Judge Lynn Leibovitz ordered witness Christopher Williams, who is set to testify for the prosecution, to undergo a cheek swab test. The judge explained that Williams’ DNA would be available for testing against evidence in Simmons’ murder.
In addition to the cheek swab, defense attorney April Downs also called for a growing list of other test to be done. At the top of that list is a blood swab, which was initially requested for testing. Downs mentioned clothing as another item to be tested.
Two other witnesses,Tyrone Williams and Rene Gaskins, were present and notified that the trial date was pushed from February 13 to September 18. Leibovitz ordered both Williams and Gaskins to be present for the start of the trial.
But before Gaskins was permitted to leave, a court marshal escorted Gaskins to Judge Marisa Demeo. According to the judge, Gaskins’ had an outstanding warrant out for his arrest stemming from a 2014 domestic violence incident.
Allen is currently behind bars facing second-degree murder while armed charges as he awaits his September trial. He is set to appear in court March 10 for a status hearing.