Defense Opts to Forego Independent Firearms Testing

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 3, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a status hearing on Feb. 28, a defense attorney said a murder defendant would not conduct independent DNA testing on a firearm found at the scene.

Denzel Grandson, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting Simwone Milstead, 36, on May 17, 2014,  on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.

Grandson’s attorney, Frances D’Antuono, told the judge that the defense will not be conducting independent DNA testing on the firearms. 

D’Antuono also requested a new trial date because the defense’s firearms expert is currently recovering from surgery, and would take longer than expected to complete all the necessary reports. 

The defense also told DC Superior Court Judge Juliet J. McKenna that the prosecution had not shared all of the evidence. 

Judge McKenna granted the request for a new trial date and told the prosecution to share all the evidence.

The prosecutor said he did not have all the evidence, but as soon as he did, he would pass the items to the defense.

Judge McKenna set a court date 60 days before trial to ensure the prosecution has all the evidence he is still waiting for and that everything is sent to the defense. 

Grandson is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on March. 20. 

This article was written by Lea Gianasso.