Prosecution Continues 2017 Murder Case for DNA Testing

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 17, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a status hearing May 16, the prosecution notified the court that they are in the midst of conducting a third round of DNA testing in a murder case.

Deon Crowell, 50, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 53-year-old Joni Rockingham on the 300 block of 34th Street, NE in 2017. 

During the hearing, the defense also notified DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson that while she received evidence from the prosecution, she is still missing evidence regarding DNA. The defense attorney also requested that her client’s wife’s laptops and hard drive be returned. Apparently, the prosecution seized the items during a search of Crowell’s residence back in 2017.

In response, the prosecutor said they were in the midst of copying the information from the devices.

Judge Dayson gave the prosecution until June 24 to hand over the items or to at least provide an update on the progress being made.

According to court documents, Rockingham was found dead with 73 stab wounds across her upper body. Apparently, Rockingham and Crowell were involved in a sexual relationship.

Crowell is scheduled for a status hearing on July 18.