Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

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On Jan. 10, a homicide defendant waived his right to independent DNA testing of evidence recovered at a crime scene before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.  

Bernard Eddy, 23, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Sept. 10, 2019 on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite

The prosecution informed the court that biological materials were found in relation to this case, but that they did not test any of these materials for DNA.

Eddy’s defense attorney, Julie Swaney, informed the court that Eddy has chosen to waive his right to independently test DNA in his case. 

Judge Raffinan explained to Eddy that he has a right to independently test the DNA found in this case if he chooses, but Eddy continued to waive his right.

Parties are expected to reconvene Sep. 12.

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