Case Acquitted: DNA Analyst Says Clothing Evidence Points Away From Homicide Defendant

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Editor’s note: On Aug. 1, a jury acquitted Jarvis Jackson of all charges connected to the homicide of Deont’e Minor.

A DNA analyst testified before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on July 24 relating her findings about two piece of clothings in a murder case.

Jarvis Jackson, 42, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction for allegedly fatally shooting Deont’e Minor, 23, on March 20, 2021, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Minor was in an Uber ride when he was shot in the backseat as the vehicle was waiting to make a turn. The Uber driver took the victim to a nearby hospital immediately after the shooting. Minor later succumbed to his injuries.

At the hearing, a DNA analyst testified about two pieces of clothing found in the area of the crime scene, which were identified as a black face mask and gray knit cap. The analyst stated her analysis very likely excluded Jackson’s DNA from being on the gray knit cap.

She also testified there is “very strong support” for Jackson’s DNA not being on the black face mask.

Prosecutors also called on a friend of Minor’s, who testified that he was with Minor the day of the incident. According to the witness, they were driving around town and smoking marijuana in the witness’ car. The friend was originally going to drive Minor to his sister’s baby shower, however, his car was experiencing transmission trouble which led to Minor’s calling an Uber.

Shortly after Minor left in the Uber, the witness testified, he heard gunshots but did not initially believe Minor was involved. According to the witness, he attempted to contact the victim with no response and rushed to the hospital soon after.

Another of Minor’s friends testified he briefly saw the victim twice the day of the incident. He said that he was with the other witness after the victim left, also smoking marijuana. He also heard gunshots shortly after Minor left in the Uber and tried to contact him sometime after hearing the shots before going to the hospital as well.

When the prosecution asked both of these witnesses about their relationships with the victim, they both described Minor as a “brother.” They both testified to not having seen the shooter or the shooting occurring.

Parties are slated to return on July 25.