mass shooting/murder Co-Defendants Waive Right to independent DNA testing

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Shooting co-defendants waived their rights to independent evidence testing in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 27.

Johnny Wilkins, 35, Marcel Gavin, 38, Kharee Jackson, 32, and Darryl Little, 31, are charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Albert Smith, Jr. on June 14, 2020 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Three other individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Smith, a Tennessee rap artist, was visiting DC when he was attacked.

The prosecution listed the evidence they plan to admit to this case, including firearm evidence, clothing, and swabs that were later used for DNA testing. DNA results were received in November 2024. Although findings were limited, the prosecution informed the court that there was a DNA match linking Jackson to the case.

Defense attorneys Bernadette Armand representing Wilkins, Marnitta King representing Gavin, Joseph Fay representing Jackson, and Wole Falodun representing Little waived rights for independent testing on the prosecution’s admitted evidence on behalf of their respective defendants.

Judge Park accepted the waivers from all defendants.

Parties are set to reconvene for a status hearing on Nov. 21.