Defendant Accused of Shooting Homeless Men Plans to Test DNA Evidence

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Homicide defendant Gerald Brevard alerted DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 23 he intends to independently test DNA evidence provided by the prosecution.

Brevard, 33, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault, mayhem, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and destruction of property worth less than $1000.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in three incidents, including the death of 54-year-old Morgan Holmes by shooting and stabbing on March 9, 2022, on the 400 block of New York Avenue, NE. Brevard is also accused of a drive-by shooting on March 3, 2022, on the 900 block of Mount Olivet Street, NE, that left one person injured, and a shooting on March 8, 2022, at the intersection of 17th and H Streets, NE, that left one person injured.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Brevard was arrested on May 15, 2022, by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division.

At the time of his arrest, Brevard was also being investigated by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on suspicion of shooting two homeless men in New York City, according to court documents. One of the victims died from his injuries.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Dec. 11.