Defendant Asserts Right to Independent DNA Testing in 2021 Homicide Case 

By Hattie Saal [former] - August 2, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

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.