Prosecutors Say DNA Evidence Links Suspect to A Homicide Victim

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

DNA testimony played a prominent role in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 3.

Jerome Israel, 21, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, two charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in the murder of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022 on the 2300 block of Minnesota Ave, SE.

Prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who investigated one of the recovered vehicles from a carjacking allegedly committed by Israel. The vehicle was stolen only a few blocks away from a residence linked to Israel and had a registered firearm in it at the time of the incident, according to what the vehicle’s owner told police.

Israel’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, emphasized that the gun was no longer in the vehicle when it was recovered and was not found during either of the two searches of Israel’s residences.

Prosecution also called a DNA analyst who examined evidence from the case, including clothing of Barbett’s and items found in one of the stolen vehicles. Although DNA is not 100 percent conclusive it showed an exponentially high probability that Israel’s DNA was on the tested evidence including a firearm, bottle, and Barbett’s pants.

Sapirstein, in her cross-examination, questioned if this DNA had to be transferred directly from the source. The witness confirmed that it is possible for the DNA to be transferred by a secondary source, with Sapirstein using a metaphor of shaking someone’s hand and then touching a pen that now has both of their DNA.

An MPD officer testified he used sterile swabs to collect potential DNA samples from the trigger, hand grip, and rear part of the slide and was tested for fingerprints using fingerprint powder and a light source. While he initially described the results as inconclusive, the defense pressed him for clarification, asking whether the results were inconclusive or if no prints were recovered. The officer ultimately admitted that no fingerprints were found.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 4.