Defendants in murder case decline to have DNA tested

By D.C. Witness Staff - April 18, 2016
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

Derrick Carter and Tyrale Johnson waived their right to have material found at the scene of their alleged crime tested for DNA, as the murder case against them moves forward.

Carter, 27, and Johnson, 21, have been charged with second-degree murder while armed for the alleged shooting of 31-year old Melvin Williams. Williams was found shot by an assault rifle in Southeast D.C. on July 28, 2015. Carter was first arrested in August and Johnson was later arrested in November.

Evidence recovered from the crime scene include shell casings, bullet fragments and clothing with blood, believed to be that of Williams, the prosecutor speculated. The prosecutor has chosen not to test the evidence for Carter or Johnson’s DNA.

In court, Judge Pan told Carter and Johnson that DNA testing could either prove their guilt or innocence. The results could also come back as “insufficient evidence,” she said.

After speaking with their lawyers while on the stand, Carter and Johnson both chose not to test the evidence.

Both are scheduled to next appear in court May 23.