Defense Drops Objection in Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 26, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 25, the defense withdrew an objection to an expert witness’s testimony on the firearm used in the crime. 

Dajuan Jones, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 26-year-old Cheyenne Washington on the 4400 block of E Street, SE in July of 2018. Jones is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license with a prior felony, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. 

The defense objected because they do not believe any expert can be 100 percent certain that all casings were fired from the same firearm. Their decision to withdraw their objection was purely strategic, said Prescott Loveland

“This is purely a strategic move,” he said. “We don’t want the trial to be held up, so we are choosing not to litigate that matter.”

The witness was set to testify that three .38 caliber casings found at the scene were all fired from the same firearm and that three .38 caliber casings recovered from the victim’s body were also fired from the same firearm. 

Jury selection is set to occur on Feb. 26. Trial is scheduled to begin on March 2. 

This article was written by MiriYam Judd