Homicide Co-defendants Waive Right To Independent DNA Testing

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

On Dec. 1, homicide co-defendants waived their right to independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Espstein.

Tamera Brown, 27 and Robert Baskerville, 30, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Darron Holmes that occurred on April 16, 2022, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

During the hearing, the prosecution outlined what was tested for DNA and the results on each item.

The prosecution said they tested fingernail clippings from Holmes, a lighter found at the scene, sunglasses, swabs from a Hyundai vehicle, and a knitted hat. Baskerville’s and Brown’s DNA were excluded from the knitted hat.

Baskerville’s DNA was also excluded from swabs taken from the vehicle and Holmes’ fingernail clippings. Brown’s DNA was excluded from Holmes’ right hand fingernail clippings.

Brown’s DNA was allegedly found in the vehicle.

Both defendant’s confirmed that they do not wish to have any item independently tested and they are waiving their right to do so.

A trial readiness hearing is set for Sept. 6, 2024.

Follow this case