Multiple Co-Defendants Waive Rights to Independently Test DNA for 2021 Mass Shooting

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On Nov. 3, a status hearing was held in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, in which multiple co-defendants waived their rights to independently test DNA evidence.

William Johnson-Lee, 21, Erwin Dubose, 29, Kamar Queen, 26, and Damonta Thompson, 26, are four of six individuals charged in relation to a mass shooting that occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and assault with intent to kill, among other charges, for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 31- year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, 37- year-old Johnny Joyner. The incident also left three individuals suffering from gunshot injuries.

Johnson-Lee’s defense attorney, Peter Fayne, announced that Johnson-Lee decided to waive his appearance for the Nov. 3 hearing, as prosecutors are still awaiting test results that could potentially connect Johnson-Lee’s DNA to evidence found at the scene of the incident.

Prosecutors stated they received DNA results for Dubose, Queen, and Thompson and tested cartridge casings found at the scene as well as multiple pieces of evidence recovered from a car referenced as the “suspect vehicle” in court documents; they included a gas can, a charging cord, and various bottles containing unspecified liquids.

In reference to the cartridge casings, gas can and charger, Dubose, Queen, and Thompson were excluded as possible sources based on their DNA profiles.

Regarding the interior rim of a bottle, Dubose’s DNA was positively matched as one of two contributors; the other was not provided. None of the other defendants were connected to the genetic evidence.

Dubose, Queen, and Thompson chose to waive their rights to independently DNA test the evidence collected.

Other evidence recovered but not tested were cartridge casings, a black medical mask, projectiles, and two firearms not apparently connected to the defendants.

Parties will reconvene Dec. 19 for a felony status conference.

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