A murder defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence and requested additional time to review a plea offer during a hearing on before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 17.
John Woods, 67, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Geno Freemon, 60, which occurred on Feb. 19, 2021, on the 5900 block of Chillum Place, NE.
Kevin Mosley and Kavya Naini, Woods’ attorneys, alerted Judge Ryan to the defendant’s intent to waive his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene.
According to the prosecution, the evidence included shotgun pellets and casings found in the surrounding area, the defendant’s vehicle, and Freemon’s vehicle.
The prosecution previously extended a plea offer to Wood that was scheduled to expire on June 20. At the June 17 hearing, the prosecution extended the deadline to July 10.
The terms of the plea deal were not discussed in court.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 10.
