Additional Testing May Prevent Defense from Being Prepared for Trial, Counsel Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 24, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

In light of additional DNA testing by the prosecution, a defense counselor told a judge that she is concerned that she won’t be prepared for a murder trial by the time it is set to begin on Oct. 15.

Deon Crowell is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Joni Rockingham on the 300 block of 34th Street, NE on Dec. 12, 2017, in the River Terrace neighborhood. According to court documents, Crowell, 50, and Rockingham, 53, were associates. Rockingham was reported missing in November of 2017. Court documents state that several witnesses thought she was targeted because of information she had on previous homicides.  

Elizabeth Weller, Crowell’s defense attorney, said her concerns rose because the late testing may not give the defense enough time to conduct independent testing. Weller also said the prosecution had not handed the defense all of the case’s documents.

She said she was mostly concerned with evidence and documents “trickling in and creating problems.” 

Weller said the prosecution has had plenty of time to complete testing and turn over documents. 

In response, the prosecutor said testing is still being conducted because there is a lot of physical evidence that can only be tested in batches. Court documents state that Rockingham’s remains were found in a garbage can along with an air mattress, a blanket, a sheet, a rope, potting soil and a shopping bag. Police also recovered a knife from a yard on the 300 block of 34th Street. 

The additional items that the prosecution is testing were not revealed in open court. 

DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson set deadlines for the prosecution to turn over all evidence.

Judge Dayson said her ruling was not made because of any wrongdoing by the prosecution. Instead, the deadlines are so all parties could, “go forward with confidence,” she said. 

Crowell’s next hearing is scheduled on Aug. 15.