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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- July 20, 2017
Court
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Two men charged with the murder of Deeniquia Dodds will appear in court again later this month to discuss DNA evidence against them.
Jalonta Little, 26, and Monte Johnson, 21, are charged with murder for allegedly fatally shooting Dodds. The 22-year-old, also know as Gregory Dodds, was transgender. The Metropolitian Police Department has said they classified the homicide as a robbery gone wrong, and were not investigating it as a hate crime. However, the two men have been indicted on 16 charges each, including felony murder in a hate crime and conspiring in a hate crime.
The duo along with two others, attempted to rob Dodds on July 13, 2016, around 11:30 am. There was a struggle, and Dodds was shot. She was discovered at 256 Division Ave., NE., suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. She was then transferred to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.
In court on Thursday, Judge Milton Lee asked if both defendants wanted to have DNA that the government collected tested by a lab of their choosing. Johnson’s attorney said that he did not want a DNA test conducted, while Little’s attorney asked for more time to review the evidence to determine whether or not to do DNA testing.
The prosecutor said that all the evidence has been disclosed to the defense. He also said that the murder weapon, a gun, has not been DNA tested but if they do conduct testing, they will notify the defense.
Judge Lee allowed for the defense to take time to look over evidence and make a decision, while setting another meeting in two weeks for an update.
While it took time to choose a date that works for all parties, they are set to meet on July 31.