Defense Motion for Release Denied Again Despite Delays in Prosecution’s Case

By Madelyn Nall [former] - October 17, 2024
Daily Stories | Robbery | stabbing | Suspects |

A stabbing defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park release his client on Oct. 16, after the prosecution experienced another delay in beginning the DNA testing process.

Chackell Anderson, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Sept. 3 on the 1900 block of 17th Street, SE. There were two victims, one who sustained stab wounds, and another who was assaulted. 

Anderson’s case is currently waiting on DNA testing before the trial date on Dec. 12. The prosecution stated in court that they have not completed a contract with Bode Technologies for DNA testing, and do not have a return date on when the results will be complete. The prosecutor estimated that they’ll have a date by the end of the week, and estimated results by Nov. 18.

Anderson’s defense attorney Russell Hairston renewed a previous motion for release in response. Defense attorney Thomas Healy had previously made the motion on Sept. 20 because the victim of the incident recanted their statement that was used for probable cause in Anderson’s case. Hairston restated this to Judge Park, saying he had the statement with him for the court to review. 

Hairston also stated that he should be released because the delay in DNA testing may push the trial back farther than Dec. 12, and it is prejudicial to Anderson. He added the defense needs time to request their own DNA testing in response to the prosecution’s results.

Judge Park denied the motion for release. He said it seems like the prosecution would be ready before trial, and that this is a typical timeline for DNA testing before trial. 

Judge Park also ordered the prosecution to communicate when they have the DNA contract and the return date for the results. 

The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 22.