Murder Defendant Waves Right to Independent DNA Testing ahead of Trial

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A murder defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence ahead of his trial.

Jordan Marquette allegedly stabbed 48-year-old Ivan Lynch in the chest and back on March 1, 2018, on the 900 block of 5th Street, SE. The 28-year-old defendant was arrested that same day and has since been indicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed, armed robbery, threat to kidnap or injure a person, carrying a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon. He is scheduled to go to trial later this month.

DC defendants accused of violent crimes have a right to independently test DNA evidence obtained during the investigation, which in Marquette’s case includes swabs of blood from the kitchen floor of the crime scene, four cell phones, Marquette’s clothing and a metro card, according to the prosecution.

During a Feb. 28 hearing, the defense confirmed they won’t be testing any of the material.

As the trial date nears, defense attorney Elliot Queen adopted a motion to suppress evidence that was filed by previous counsel in July 2019, which is expected to be addressed during a motion hearing on March 11.

The prosecutor also made a request for an American Sign Language translator for one of the expert witnesses taking the stand during that hearing.

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