DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan accepted a homicide defendant’s waiver of his right to independently test DNA evidence on April 29.
James Rice, 28, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Thomas Felder on May 1, 2024 at the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Felder sustained seven gunshot wounds.
At the hearing, the prosecutor said the police recovered three cartridge cases from the scene, two of which were tested and the results provided to the defense.
Judge Ryan explained the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) to Rice, which grants defendants the right to test any evidence for DNA at a lab of their choice. Judge Ryan then asked Rice if he would like to test or re-test any items.
After speaking with his attorney, David Knight, Rice said he would not. Judge Ryan accepted his decision, as he believed he did so knowingly and willingly.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 11, 2027.
