Defendant Asserts Right to Independent DNA Testing in 2021 Homicide Case 

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

On Aug. 2, defendant Joshua Calvin Allen asserted his right to independently test evidence found at a crime scene for DNA in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe

Allen, 33, is charged with first degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm (prior crime of violence), and carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a June 11, 2021 homicide on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. 

One victim,Delonte Johnson, 28, succumbed to gunshot injuries at a nearby hospital. The other victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the incident. 

Prior to the Aug. 2 hearing, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers tested a bloodstain and cellphone, both located in a crashed vehicle near the scene of the homicide, for DNA evidence and discovered a potential match to Allen’s DNA. Allen still wished to independently test both objects. 

Parties are expected to return to court in 30 days but have yet to schedule a hearing date.