Homicide Co-Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

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One of two homicide co-defendants waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene based on two search warrants before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan a Sept. 12 hearing.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, and Jermall Johnson, 40, are charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery – felony murder, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.

According to court documents, two individuals, later identified as Johnson and Stevens, are seen on surveillance footage approaching the Umoh while armed. An attempted robbery unfolded, resulting in Umoh’s death.

Stevens, represented by Jason Tulley, waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered by the prosecution on biological material collected including three shell casings and items from Umoh.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, does not anticipate independently testing DNA evidence and predicts Johnson will also waive his rights when parties return to court on Oct. 18.

The prosecution was ordered to turn over any additional evidence, and the defense is to file any objections by Sept. 20.

Parties are set to return on Oct. 18.