Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for Release

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 27, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

A judge denied the release of a murder defendant while the prosecution tests his DNA with blood from the crime scene.

Leonard Smith is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing Leonte Butler, 26, on the 4000 Block of South Capitol Street, SE in 2017. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Smith, 32, and two other individuals were seen on surveillance footage, covered in blood and changing clothing after the incident.

The prosecution acquired June 13 a mouth swab from Smith to test his DNA with blood from a jacket retrieved from his residence. The blood on the jacket did not match the victim’s blood.

“Due to Mr. Smith’s prior charges of assaultive behavior, I will not entertain the request of release”, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said. “Once the DNA results are in, maybe I will consider this request.”

A status hearing for the DNA results is scheduled for July 19.