Judge Finds Probable Cause in 2010 Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 11, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in a murder case because DNA under a victim’s fingernails matched the defendant. 

John Pernell was killed in 2010.

Kavon Young is charged with first-degree felony murder for allegedly shooting 66-year-old John Pernell on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE on July 3, 2010.

Judge Craig Iscoe said the DNA was significant because, according to a Metropolitan Police Department detective, Young did not know Pernell before he allegedly attempted to rob the victim.

During a preliminary hearing Oct. 10, the detective, who assisted the lead detective on the case, also said one witness identified Young as one of two individuals who shot Pernell. 

The detective said the same witness identified another individual. However, the detective said the witness, who claimed to be at the scene, could not have been there because the witness was incarcerated at the time Pernell was killed. 

During his testimony, the detective said he could not remember all of the interviews he had with witnesses. 

Young’s defense attorney, Ieshaah Murphy, argued that there was no probable cause. She said the detective did not remember or was unaware of certain aspects of the case, including which witnesses he interviewed the night Pernell was murdered.

Judge Iscoe said that while he would not make a substantial probability ruling at this time, he did believe the prosecution established clear and convincing evidence to ask for a substantial probability.

Murphy requested Young’s release, arguing that since the murder occurred nine years ago he was not a threat to the community. 

Judge Iscoe denied the request, citing previous firearms convictions in 2010 and 2016.

Young, 29, is being held without bail. 

He is scheduled for a felony status conference on Dec. 12.