Shooting co-defendants waive their rights to independent evidence testing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 24.
William Davenport, 30, and his mother Violet Davenport, 53, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the May 14, 2021, homicide of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of Second Street, NW.
According to court documents, Davenport said he was selling drugs and the shooting may have been in retaliation for a robbery.
During the hearing, Judge Brandt informed the defendants that under the federal Innocence Protection Act (IPA), they have the right to independently test evidence.
Both William and Violet agreed that they can’t change their minds once a jury reaches a verdict. Their IPA waivers to forego DNA testing were accepted by Judge Brandt.
Additionally, the defendants pre-trial release status was discussed at the hearing.
A report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) revealed that Violet was in compliance, while William has had “some ebbs and flows,” according to Judge Brandt.
Judge Brandt acknowledged that he has an “addiction issue,” and that William is trying to get sober. She hopes that the next report verifies that.
Parties will return on Sept. 19.
