Defense Seeks Independent DNA Testing Ahead of Murder Trial 

By Rebecca Silverman [former] - February 1, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

A murder defendant’s lawyer informed a DC Superior Court judge that they plan to conduct independent DNA testing. 

Joseph Melton is accused of stabbing two people on Jan. 14, 2020. One of the victims, 48-year-old Kevin Chamberlain, succumbed to his injuries after police found him suffering from multiple stab wounds on the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, NW.  The other victim survived.

Melton, 53, is set to go to trial this August on charges of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon.

During the most recent hearing for this case on Jan. 27, parties discussed the DNA testing being done ahead of the trial. The prosecutor said they have tested clothing, two knives recovered from different scenes and DNA samples taken from the defendant as well as the surviving victim. They said that blood matching both victims was found on a knife in the defendant’s possession.

Defense attorney Joseph Wong responded, saying he intends to conduct their own independent DNA testing. Judge Robert Okun set a March 28 deadline for any motions regarding DNA testing with responses due by April 28. Expert notice is due by June 6.

Parties are scheduled to meet again on July 11 for a trial readiness hearing.