Homicide Defendant in Two Cases Asserts Right to DNA Testing

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

On March 19, a homicide defendant asserted his right to independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Mark Price, 29, is one of ten defendants charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and seven counts of criminal street gang affiliation, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the drive-by shooting of 10-year old Makiyah Wilson. The incident occurred on July 16, 2018 on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE. Four other individuals sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of assault with intent to kill, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Young. The incident occurred on July 30, 2018 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE. One other individual suffered non-life threatening injuries.

According to court documents, the shootings are not related to one another.

Last Nov. 27, Price requested new counsel for the Wilson case, but not for the Young case, a change which Judge Okun denied. In January, Price sent a letter to the Chief Judge requesting new counsel for undisclosed reasons.

After a private discussion between Judge Okun, Price, and Price’s defense attorneys, Megan Allburn and Gemma Stevens the judge announced rather than requesting new counsel, Price would like to conduct independent DNA testing of a glove found in a vehicle connected to the Wilson case.

The prosecution had no objections to this request.

Parties are slated to return May 3.

Follow this case