Judge Delays Murder Defendant’s Trial to 2020

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 3, 2019
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A judge rescheduled a trial for a murder defendant because of a delay in DNA testing.

Keith Archie is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 32-year-old Demond Marcel Rush on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE. According to court documents, Rush was found with multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

During a status hearing on May 2, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman pushed Archie’s murder trial to Jan. 27, 2020.

A prosecutor said DNA testing of evidence had not been completed because the testing lab did not receive clear instructions on what to test for. All results are expected to be ready by June 7, the prosecutor said.

Defense attorney, Blase Kearney, said, after testing was completed, he may wish to complete additional tests depending on the results.

According to court documents, a witness told police that Archie, 38, was intoxicated the night he walked into his home. Apparently, Archie was intoxicated and left blood marks on the walls of the residence.  

A status hearing is scheduled on July 1.