Parties Discuss DNA Testing Ahead of Homicide Trial

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DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee granted a continuance on Oct. 28 for a status hearing to provide an update on the status of DNA testing in a homicide case.

Kavon Young, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with a firearm in connection to the fatal shooting of 66-year-old John Pernell on July 3, 2010. According to court documents, Pernell was found on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE, with multiple gunshot wounds after what witnesses described as an armed robbery that turned fatal.

During the Friday hearing, the prosecutor confirmed that early sets of DNA testing have been completed, but the prosecutor wants to conduct additional tests due to the amount of time that has passed.

Defense attorney Matthew Davies said he hasn’t done any DNA testing and plans to allow the scientist to perform testing on the fingernail clip that was found but it needs at least two weeks.

However, Judge Lee expressed that the approaching trial date and limited amount of time raises concerns.

Judge Lee continued to allow the parties to decide what they would like to do regarding DNA testing.

Judge Lee scheduled the next hearing on Nov. 8.