Judge Reschedules Trial Readiness Hearing

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Editors Note: The defendant in this case has since been acquitted on all counts. 

During a murder defendant’s trial readiness hearing Jan. 31, DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck continued the proceeding for a fifth time.

Dewayne Shorter Jr., 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm, assault with the intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting 38-year-old Daniel Parker on the 2000 block of Fairlawn Ave. SE in 2017.

While the defense’s DNA results are expected to be ready for trial, counsel was concerned about getting the results to the prosecution on time.

The prosecutor also told the judge that he received an email from a firearm examiner for the case.

The email said that ballistics evidence would be ready within the next week.

The dates for the previous trial readiness hearings were supposed to occur on Aug. 8, Aug. 5, and Jan. 31. The new hearing date is scheduled to occur on Feb. 6.

Corrine Simon wrote this story.