Prosecutor Discusses Plans to Test DNA Evidence Ahead of Murder Trial

By Blair McLendon [former] - November 18, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A prosecutor discussed her plans for the testing of DNA evidence in a murder case set to go to trial next year.

Diquan Lucas, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 33-year-old Brian Butler in an apartment on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE, on Nov. 21, 2019.

The prosecutor gave notice of their intent to test DNA evidence in the case back in September. During the Nov. 17 hearing, she mentioned that the testing site is backed up and was informed that results wouldn’t be returned until March. The trial is scheduled to begin in mid-April. 

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee asked the prosecutor to try to expedite the testing process.  She said she would try and get the results back earlier. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 7 to discuss any updates.

Lucas is also charged with first-degree burglary while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm in this case. 

The defendant was arrested less than two weeks after Bulter’s death. He awaits his trial from DC Jail, where he has been held ever since. 

Lucas rejected plea offers from the prosecution during his preliminary hearing on March 9, 2020. He rejected another plea offer on June 1, slightly less than two months before he was indicted.

When Judge Dayna Dayson scheduled the trial during an August hearing, the prosecution said they expect to need approximately two weeks to present their case. Defense attorney  Roderick Thompson said he anticipates needing “three days, tops.”