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By
Jeff Levine
- January 13, 2025
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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In a brief hearing on Jan. 10, a murder defendant gave up his DNA testing right before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.
Juan Guerra, 32, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 32-year-old Peter Miller III on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW, on Oct. 6, 2021. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2021.
According to court documents, officers responded to the scene to investigate a “natural” death, but were suspicious of the circumstances and immediately called homicide detectives.
They located Miller inside the residence, which he shared with Guerra, and the victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead five days later. The DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled that the death a homicide due to blunt force trauma.
Kevin Mosley, representing the defendant, told the court that Guerra was giving up his right to DNA testing as specified in the Innocence Protection Act. Guerra agreed and Judge Kravitz verified that it was Guerra’s decision.
During the proceeding Mosley mentioned that the prosecution had made an unspecified plea offer to Guerra but that effort had failed since he is also a defendant in a federal case. No additional details were provided.
Judge Kravitz set the trial date for July 21.