Defense Decides Not to Retest DNA Evidence Ahead of June Murder Trial

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

The defense team in a murder case said they will not be re-testing DNA evidence ahead of the trial.

On Jan. 15, 2019, police found 22-year-old Davane Williams lying on a sidewalk in front of the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Tyree Irving was arrested the next month for his alleged role in the homicide and is currently charged with first-degree murder while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm and obstruction of justice. Parties are now preparing for him to go on trial in June.

During the most recent hearing for this case on Feb. 4, parties confirmed that the prosecution conducted DNA evidence on a sweater and provided the defense with the results. Irving went under oath to waive his right to conduct independent DNA testing. 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled parties to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on April 22.