Defendant Waives Right to DNA and Ballistics Testing

By Ashley Brown [former] - October 18, 2022
Court | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee asked a murder defendant about his desire to conduct DNA and ballistics testing during an Oct. 18 hearing.

Brandon Wiggins, 25, is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the shooting of Damon Bell, 43, on the 1600 block of Virginia Avenue, NE on June 14, 2019.

At the hearing, Judge Lee informed Wiggins that he possesses a right to request DNA and ballistics testing, but he declined.

Wiggins’ defense attorney, Lee Smith, said that he and his client discussed the prospect of obtaining evidence; however, they decided not to proceed with it. No additional information was given to explain why this decision was reached.

According to court documents, Wiggins allegedly opened fire on Bell because he believed the victim stole his friend’s vehicle. His friend was unable to recover the car, so he reportedly enlisted the help of Wiggins to do so, resulting in the shooting.

A witness at the scene, who watched Wiggins shoot Bell while in the parked car, described him as a “wildin youngin’” who was “acting like a loose cannon.”

Like the defense, the prosecution also told Judge Lee that she did not plan to conduct DNA or ballistics testing.

In response, Judge Lee scheduled a date for a trial readiness hearing as the defense and prosecution did not have any additional outstanding matters to address. 

Parties are expected to return to court on March 10, 2023. The trial is scheduled for April 3, 2023.