Defense Announces DNA Testing is Underway in Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 17, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

Defense counsel for a murder defendant said they have begun the process of DNA testing during a status hearing on June 14.

Leonard Smith, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing 26-year-old Leonte Butler on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on March 11, 2017.

Defense counsel said every item of evidence that they want to test has been transferred to the lab and has undergone “some degree of testing.” However, Dinah Manning, one of Smith’s defense attorneys, said they intend to test items of additional evidence that the prosecution introduced more recently. Counsel expects  to finish testing in time for the scheduled Nov. 12 trial date.

The prosecution has completed all necessary DNA testing for the case.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson scheduled a hearing on July 26 to give the defense an opportunity to discuss the results of the DNA testing and decide what further actions to take.

According to court documents, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department found Butler lying unconscious in an alley suffering from multiple stab wounds to the body. Butler was pronounced dead on the scene.