Hearing Postponed for Unwilling Murder Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued a hearing after a defendant in a murder trial refused to come to the courthouse on March 22.

Juan Peterson, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of four individuals on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Lester Howard, 28, succumbed to his injuries from the attack. The other three victims were treated and released from hospitals.

The hearing was scheduled to discuss the defendant’s right to an independent test of DNA evidence in the case.

Following Peterson’s refusal, his defense attorney requested the hearing be moved to a later date. The reasoning for his refusal was not mentioned.

Parties are expected back in court on April 4.

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