Evidence Issues Cause Delay in Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 4, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a felony status conference on  June 4, the defense for a murder defendant said they were having difficulties obtaining evidence from the prosecution.

Bobby Davis, 22, is charged with first-degree felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children for allegedly burning 6-month-old Brooklyn Zakiyaa Hill-Davis. The incident occurred on September 5, 2018, on the 1900 block of Valley Terrace, SE.

Dominique Winters, who stood in as Davis’ defense attorney, Ieshaah Murphy, said all evidence should have been handed over by June 4.

According to Winters, the prosecution was supposed to also turn in additional evidence as well. As a result, Winters said the defense could not proceed. 

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson approved Winters’ request. A new status conference is scheduled on June 26.

The prosecution also told the judge that they would not conduct DNA testing.

According to court documents, Davis was caring for Brooklyn at the time of the incident. Davis claimed he was giving Brooklyn a bath and burned her accidentally because he did not check the water temperature.

Officers of the Metropolitan Police Department responded to Davis’ 911 call and found Brooklyn inside suffering from scalding burns. She was brought to the hospital and was pronounced dead five days later.