Defense questions lead detective’s investigation of 2016 homicide

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 20, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

A Metropolitan Police Department detective was questioned Feb. 20 about procedures he used for investigating a fatal stabbing on April 23, 2016, that led to the arrest of the wrong suspect.

Even though Christian Romero, 24, has been charged with second-degree murder while armed for the alleged homicide of Dimas Fuentes-Lazo, Francisco Ayala, 24, who resembled Romero, was initially arrested and charged. Ayala’s charges were dropped before Romero was charged.

Fuentes-Lazo, 38, was killed on the 800 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

According to the detective’s testimony, camera footage from various businesses around the murder scene showed Romero running after the alleged attack. The prosecution played these videos for the jury.

Additionally, the prosecution confirmed that Romero changed his hairstyle after the homicide and told detectives during questioning, “I’m not Christian Romero,” which the prosecution said is a sign of guilt.

Romero’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, insinuated the detective had not been thorough in his investigation since he provided documentation to justify the arrest of Ayala.

The prosecution is expected to rest their case when trial resumes on Feb. 21.