Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Independently

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In an Aug. 4 hearing, a homicide defendant waived his rights to have independent DNA testing.

Vernon Parrish, 39, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his connection to the murder of 53-year-old Ronald Bailey.

According to court documents, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) found Bailey suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in his residence on the 5200 block of E Street, SE on Sept. 26, 2021. Bailey, still conscious at the scene, told responding officers Parrish, his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, shot him before succumbing to his injuries an hour later.

Despite the government’s physical evidence, neither party expressed interest in testing DNA.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein read Parrish his rights regarding DNA testing. “DNA testing is reliable,” he stated to ensure that Parrish understood the consequences of his decision.

Parrish chose to waive his rights to independent DNA testing for his case.

Parties are expected back Sept. 5.