Prosecution Requests More Time for Testing

By D.C. Witness Staff - April 2, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

The prosecution in a murder case requested April 1 more time to conclude DNA testing.

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

Apparently, the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) already conducted two rounds of DNA testing. The prosecution is waiting on a third round of evidence to be tested, counsel said.

Crowell’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, requested detailed reports from the tests.

The prosecution said DFS sent the reports. The prosecution also said the program used to test for DNA does not give detailed reports. It can only show the probability of who the scene’s DNA may belong to, counsel said.

The prosecution will inquire about more thorough reports and push to have the testing completed by May 3.

According to court documents, Rockingham, 53, was found dead with 73 stab wounds across her upper body. Apparently, Rockingham and Crowell, 49, were involved in a sexual relationship.

A status hearing is scheduled on May 16.