Defense Awaits DNA Testing for Next Course of Action

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 22, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a murder defendant’s status hearing March 22, a defense lawyer said he would wait on the prosecution’s testing of evidence to determine his next course of action.

Keith Archie, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 32-year-old Demond Marcel Rush on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE in 2017.

Archie’s defense lawyer, Blase Kearney, said his decision to pursue DNA testing depends on the results of the prosecution’s testing of evidence.

If the prosecution’s testing uncovers anything that can be used against the defense’s case, then the defense would conduct its own testing for additional evidence, Kearney said.

The defense also requested that the prosecution deliver their results in two-to-four weeks.

Judge Todd Edelman approved the requested time frame.

A status hearing is scheduled on May 2.