Judge allows DNA testing for the Antonio Bassett case

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 6, 2017
Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

In a felony status conference on Tuesday, Judge Lynn Leibovitz allowed the prosecution to have DNA testing done on blood found at the crime scene of Antonio Bassett’s murder.

Bassett was shot to death in an apartment in the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Ave., SE in March. According to a detective, at least four people were in the apartment when he was shot and killed. Chad Hawthorne had gone to the police station to discuss Bassett’s death and was arrested a few days later when police found inconsistencies with his statement.

During his hearing on Tuesday, the court discussed setting a new date for his arraignment and the possibility of the government testing on some blood found in the apartment. Hawthorne’s attorneys opposed the government’s request because the results could exonerate Hawthorne of guilt.

Judge Leibovitz ruled that the government be allowed to test the material due to the “scientific value” of finding out the results. Hawthorne is currently being held without bail and is set for another status conference on March 1, 2018.