Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Waives DNA Testing

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A defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at the crime scene in his non-fatal stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 7.

Jeremiah Smalls, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1700 block of T Street, SE, on April 7, 2023.

According to court documents, Smalls was let into the victim’s home before allegedly pushing the victim against a wall and threatening to stab and kill him. He then took the victim into a back bedroom before running out of the apartment. 

At the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Brandt that they plan to test evidence found at the crime scene, including a blood-stained t-shirt. 

Terrence Austin, Smalls’ attorney, alerted the court that the defense does not plan to test the evidence, and the defendant waived his right to test. 

Austin requested an additional week to file motions regarding additional evidence. Judge Brandt approved this request, granting the defense until Oct. 15. 

Parties are expected to reconvene Nov. 8 for a motions hearing.