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By
Caitlin Blackman [former]
- June 26, 2024
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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A defense attorney requested a continuance due to a temporary halt in DNA testing at the DC Public Defender Service (PDS) office before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park in a hearing on June 25.
Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec. 7, 2021. One individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Defense attorney Kevann Gardner requested to continue the case, stating that the Public Defender’s office has halted all DNA testing until Sept. 30, which prevents the defense from being able to test prior to an October trial date.
The prosecution argued that the defense’s request for continuance was invalid and was a strategy to delay the case until the defendant’s homicide case was resolved, in hopes of the defendant receiving sentencing benefits.
Judge Park stated that the defense was truthful in their testing limitations due to policy at the Public Defender’s Office. However, the judge denied the request for continuance, stating that alternative options for DNA testing were plausible.
Dates for the trial readiness hearing and trial were scheduled for October.
The parties are set to reconvene for a status hearing on July 8.