Defense prepares to conduct DNA testing for 2016 murder

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A woman who was arrested in connection with the murder of Levi Kinte Davis is scheduled to stand trial later this year.

Carmelita Henderson was arrested on Dec. 14 2016, and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

The defense counsel said it is still in the process of selecting a lab to conduct DNA testing. Independent testing is being conducted by the defense after the government said Henderson’s DNA was found on one of the gun shells in her car.

The defense also made a motion for Henderson to be released, with the argument that the defendant had not previously had any offenses nor were any weapons found on her. Defense Attorney Michael Rosier said that DNA found on the shell casing did not prove she had committed the murder since the DNA could have gotten on the evidence when it was found in her car.

However, Judge Judith Bartnoff denied the motion to modify the defendant’s release status and set a trial date for Sept. 24.

Officers found Davis on the 4200 block of East Capitol St. NE on Sept. 16, 2015. He had apparent gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Henderson is being held without bond and is due back in court on April 6 for a status hearing.