Homicide Defendant Asserts Right to Independent DNA Testing

By Natalie Note - September 18, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide defendant asserted his right to independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Sept. 18. 

Deonte Patterson, 28, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice. These charges stem from Patterson’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Ali Jamil Al-Mahadi, on Aug. 23, 2021 at the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW. 

According to court documents, Patterson allegedly shot Al-Mahadi five times–in the left arm, chest, and torso. Al Mahadi was pronounced dead after all life-saving measures failed. 

Patterson allegedly fled the scene in a car with his girlfriend and godbrother, according to court documents. The suspect vehicle was found later that day after a car accident in which all individuals survived but sustained injuries.

During the hearing, Cheryl Stein, Patterson’s attorney, alerted the court of Patterson’s intent to assert his right to independent DNA testing of evidence in the case. 

Judge Raffinan set deadlines requiring the defense to submit the name of the lab and the expert conducting the testing by close of business on Sept. 18. The defense is also required to file the order for the independent DNA testing by close of business on Sept. 19. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 21, 2025.