Case Acquitted: Prosecution Witnesses Testify in 2020 Homicide Case

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This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Nov. 2, prosecutors continued to call witnesses to testify in a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Michael Austin, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney on May 24, 2020, on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE.

The prosecution began by calling a DNA expert to testify regarding DNA samples collected from the crime scene.

The witness testified that she received four samples from two cartridges found at the crime scene and that there was no DNA found on either of the cartridges based on the swabs provided.

The prosecution continued by calling a lieutenant from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who canvassed the area and found Kinney’s body.

She stated that there were no firearms found on the body of the victim or in any other location of the crime scene.

During cross examination by defense attorney, Jason Tulley, the officer was questioned about the notification she received from Veritracks, a GPS system used to monitor the location of known offenders that have ankle monitors. She testified that, at the time of the incident, she received a Veritracks notification that there was a known offender in the location of the shooting.

However, the individual was not considered a suspect. She said, “His address was on Gainesville and he was still in a small radius of the scene.”

The prosecution also called an MPD administrative sergeant to testify about his interview with Kinney’s girlfriend.

She said Kinney had been in an argument with Austin earlier that night. She also identified Austin in a photo array conducted by MPD.

The detective stated that MPD was unable to locate Austin in May 2020 and was searching for any known addresses. The detective found an address and went to request surveillance footage from the manager of that building, when he learned that the manager was Austin’s mother.

She said Austin had recently received traffic citations that resulted in the impounding of his car.

So the detective he was able to locate Austin’s vehicle in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and discovered several clothing items.

Another MPD detective testified that during an interview with police, Austin was seen signing forms with his left hand. The prosecution noted that the individual seen shooting by a witness was holding the gun in his left hand.

Trial is set to resume Nov. 6.

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