Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing

By Jasmine Hernandez [former] - July 18, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 18, defendant Jaylaun Brown waived his right to independently DNA test evidence and rejected a plea offer. 

Brown, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Jan. 21.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, officers responded to a shooting on the 1400 block of 9th St, NW. Once on the scene they discovered a victim suffering from two non-life-threatening gunshot wounds outside a liquor store. 

According to court documents, video footage shows Brown walking up to the victim and pulling a firearm from his waistband. The victim sees the firearm and then pulls out a gun. As he attempts to back up from the gunshots, he also begins to shoot Brown. 

According to court documents, witnesses who spoke t officers at the scene recall hearing gunshots and seeing the victim holding a firearm saying “I’ve been shot.” 

Brown was seen on video exiting the liquor store after the shooting. The victim did not speak with police and was sent to the hospital for treatment.

Later, Brown wound up in the same hospital. 

Neither Brown nor the victim were old enough to own a handgun legally. 

During the hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo approved Brown’s decision to voluntarily waive independent DNA testing from evidence recovered from the scene.

The prosecutor asked for its deal to be put on the record which would have have allowed Brown to plead guilty to mayhem while armed and all other charges would be dismissed. 

However, the plea deal was rejected. 

Brown’s attorney motioned for the defendant’s release. The prosecutor was opposed, stating the defendant was a danger to the community. 

Judge Demeo reviewed the evidence and denied the defense’s motion because evidence showed him to be a danger to the community. 

The next hearing is set for July 25 where motions will be continued.