Homicide Co-Defendants Waive Their Rights To DNA Testing

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Co-defendants in a homicide matter waived their rights to DNA testing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 30.

Juvan Alston, 22, and Davon Alston, 21, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17- year old Dennis Simms on July 1, 2022, on the block of 809 Yuma Street SE. 

Juvan also faces a conspiracy charge.  According to court documents, Simms died from a single gunshot to his head.   

The prosecution recovered evidence from the scene, but hasn’t tested any of the items yet. Juvan and Davon, meanwhile, agreed to waive their rights to perform independent DNA testing.

Juvan’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, and Duvan’s defense attorney,  Madalym Harvey, revealed they have discovered new evidence, but alerted the court that they need time to determine its validity. 

Parities are set to reconvene on March 21.