Defense counsel for a murder defendant said DNA testing will be delayed due to funding issues amid the federal government shutdown before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Oct. 10.
Morris Jones, 41, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and destruction of property. His charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Tiffany Wiggins, 38, which occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on April 17, 2022.
Jones’ trial is set for March 2026, but parties are concerned about being ready due to delays with DNA testing.
The prosecution said they are still waiting for ballistics evidence to be tested but will send the materials to the defense once funding issues are resolved.
Defense attorney Mani Golzari voiced similar concerns, saying that with the government shutdown, it is “much more cumbersome to get the funding” to get testing done.
He said that some labs are willing to be paid later for holding the evidence, but whether or not they will actually test the materials without immediate payment is more complicated.
Parties agreed to wait for another week, hoping that the shutdown will be over so funding for testing can resume.
Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 14.
