Parties Discuss DNA Testing Ahead of November Murder Trial

By Bersabel Ephrem [former] - January 25, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Parties discussed DNA testing in preparation for a November murder trial.

Ch’Juan Robinson, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 35-year-old Louis Kingsbury on the 200 block of New York Avenue, NW, on April 29, 2020. 

Defense attorney Dana Page recently motioned to prevent the prosecution from consuming possible DNA evidence. She specifically requested that the prosecution not be allowed to test a buccal swab obtained during the investigation until they can demonstrate usable DNA to compare it with.

Page also wanted the prosecution to split any swabs in half before using them so some will be availible to be used by the defense.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the defense’s request in part. She ordered the prosecution to provide the defense with information on the quantity of DNA evidence being extracted and consumed. She instructed prosecutors to “allow defense experts to view the testing process, if practicable, and preserve any remaining DNA that is extracted,” according to court documents.

Judge Raffinan also agreed to preclude the prosecution from testing the buccal swab before they are able to demonstrate usable DNA to compare it with.

During the Jan. 24 hearing, Judge Raffinan scheduled the trial to begin on Nov. 14. Parties estimate it will last two weeks. 

Robinson will return to court on May 13 for a status hearing.