Even though the prosecution detailed a number of items tested for DNA, a murder defendant waived his right to conduct his own analysis of the evidence in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on May 15.
Kevin Singletary, 47, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Delonte Hazel, 31, on Sept. 10, 2021, on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.
The judge noted that if Singleton were convicted, he might not be able to reclaim his testing right.
“There’s no need to test anything,” Singletary affirmed.
As stipulated by the Innocence Protection Act, the defense has the right to test all biological materials screened for evidence by the prosecution. A DNA profile can create a high mathematical probability that a defendant is linked to the evidence.
One exception raised by the prosecution was the recovery of a Glock 40 handgun that didn’t match the caliber of the murder weapon, so it will not be used as evidence.
On the other hand, the prosecutor said there were numerous items tested for DNA including bullet casings, a blue face mask, body armor, a skull cover, a handgun in a vehicle, ammunition magazines and the blood of the victim.
Additional items included a mouth swab from Singletary, pants and shoes, the defendant’s car, phones and a scale.
Earlier Singleton’s attorney, Andrew Ain, indicated the defense wanted to test the shell casings but there wasn’t enough detectable DNA remaining to do the study.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 10.
