Judge Grants Request for DNA Testing, Despite Delays

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 15, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge granted the prosecution’s request to test the DNA of a murder defendant who allegedly stabbed a man in 2017.

William Edward Smith is charged with first-degree and second-degree murder while armed for stabbing Dominic Brooks, 29, on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

According to court documents, the night of the murder, a witness who was dating Brooks said they were attending a birthday party. The witness and Brooks left the party and walked down the street, where they crossed paths with Smith and someone named Lou. According to the witness, Smith, 34, and Brooks engaged in a conversation, which eventually became a physical altercation.

During Smith’s status hearing on Oct. 12, the defense opposed the prosecution’s motion to conduct DNA testing. Smith’s attorney, Jason Tulley, said that he was “baffled” that DNA testing hasn’t started even though the defense has been asking for it since June 2017.

“I will not tolerate any more delay from the United States,” said Judge Juliet McKenna.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled on Dec. 14.

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