DNA Evidence is ‘Extensive and Cannot be Expedited,’ Prosecutor Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 13, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A prosecutor said that the DNA evidence undergoing testing in a case against a man accused of stabbing a dog walker is “extensive and cannot be expedited.” The testing may delay court proceedings.

Eliyas Aregahegne, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Margery Magill, 27, on the 400 block of Irving Street, NW on Aug. 27. Magill was stabbed multiple times in the neck, back, and shoulder while walking a dog. The murder has attracted international attention in the media.

DNA testing will not be completed before March of 2020, according to the prosecutor.

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck tentatively scheduled Aregahegne for a felony status conference on March 16, 2020. Judge Beck said the status conference may be rescheduled if the prosecution does not have either an indictment or the results of the DNA testing by then.

“The investigation is progressing and on track,” said the prosecutor. He gave no indication when he expects to secure and indictment.

This story was written by Siena Rush