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By
Cameron Horne
- October 31, 2024
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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A homicide defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence, despite it showing a strong likelihood that blood belonging to the defendant and the victim was found in multiple areas of the crime scene, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 31.
Lavaughn Barnes, 33, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death and dismembering of Abdulio Arias-Lopez, 59, on Nov. 3, 2023, on the 1300 block of Kearny St NE.
According to court documents, Arias Lopez’s body was found in a mummified state and missing multiple extremities when it was discovered on Feb. 3, 2024 in the backyard of Barnes’ house.
The prosecution read from the DNA report and stated that DNA collected from at least ten locations in the basement of Barnes’ home were conclusively blood stains. Of those blood stains, all had strong inclusory evidence of belonging to either Arias-Lopez or Barnes, three reported evidence of including both.
Under counsel of Jason Tulley, Barnes’ attorney, Barnes waived his right to independent DNA testing.
Parties will reconvene on April 11.