Murder Defendant Commends Defense Counsel

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Donate Now

During a status hearing Aug 13, a murder defendant told a judge that he was satisfied with the independent DNA testing done by his counsel.

Leonard Smith, 33 is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing Leonte Butler, 26, on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE in 2017. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Smith and two other individuals were seen on surveillance footage, covered in blood and changing clothes after the incident.

Smith told DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson, that he was “more than satisfied” with the evidence that his counsel had tested for DNA.

Defense counsel, Anthony Matthews, told the court that the defense was still waiting for some results. He told the judge that the trial date would not be affected.

A new prosecutor has also taken over the case.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled on Nov. 1.

Follow this case