Defense Still Waits for Prosecution’s Test Results Following DNA Abnormalities

By Mariam Kamate [former] - March 14, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Regarding abnormalities found in the prosecution’s DNA test in late November of last year, counsel discussed when the prosecution would be able to provide the defense with test result on DNA evidence.

Samuel Mack, 57, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 35-year-old Erica Ward in an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE on Dec. 30, 2020. According to court documents, the two used to be in a relationship and began arguing the night after Mack brought their son over to visit. Mack was apprehended that same night. He was released under the High-Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) the following March. He is not permitted to leave home from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.  

During the Momday’s status hearing, two prosecutors said they were unsure what went wrong during the initial DNA testing and are hoping to receive the new results by the end of May to send over to the defense.

 DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’keefe asked the prosecutors where they retrieved the DNA from in the case.

The prosecutor responded and said that DNA was taken on clothes, the firearm that was used in the homicide, and the gun’s magazine. 

The next status hearing is set for May 19.

The jury trial is scheduled for June 3, 2024.