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By
Zachary Poe
- June 10, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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A shooting defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence on June 6 before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.
Demarco Bates, 28, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, two counts of destruction of property less than $1000, and possession of a controlled substance. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 10, 2024, on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.
According to court documents, officers responded to a Shotspotter alert, a gunshot detection system, and discovered multiple shell casings on and around the scene. A woman was struck by a bullet through her bedroom window, sustaining a graze wound to her right foot, and a nearby Metrobus was struck by gunfire.
The prosecution confirmed that DNA testing had occurred and the results had been shared with the defense. It is unclear what evidence the prosecution tested for DNA.
Alvin Thomas, Bates’ attorney, alerted Judge Kravitz of his intent to waive his right to independently test the evidence.
Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 12.