Murder Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing

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During a status hearing on Nov. 1, a murder defendant waived his rights to DNA testing after his DNA was discovered on the evidence. 

Derek Turner, 28, is being charged with first -degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting  of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE in March of 2017. His co-defendant Ronnika Jennings, 41, is charged with first-degree murder, accessory after the fact, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy. Turner is also charged with two other murders, including the death of Devin Hall in DC and North Carolina

Defense counsel, Michael Madden, told DC Superior Court Judge Juilet McKenna that he and Turner discussed the option of testing for DNA on items entered into evidence by the prosecution. He said Turner decided to not have any of the items tested. 

DC Witness previously reported, the prosecution tested clothes and the alleged murder weapon found in the car where McPhatter was found shot multiple times. The DNA on clothing recovered from the crime scene matched Tuner, but not anyone else involved in the case.The DNA found on the weapon could not be matched to any of the defendants.

Jennings defense attorney, Dorsey Jones, told Judge McKenna that Jennings had no issues to bring to the court before trial.

Two other defendants in the case are Marshay Hazelwood, 26, and 28-year-old Duan Hill. The men are charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Both are released on personal recognizance.

A trial readiness hearing for all four defendants is scheduled on Feb. 21 2020. The trial date is set to begin on Jan. 25, 2021. 

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