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By
Mia Kimm
- April 9, 2025
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered the defense to test DNA evidence after a homicide defendant refused to appear for the seventh time on April 4.
Marquis Bullocks, 31, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Michael Pate and 28-year-old Djuan Proctor on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on Sept. 18, 2021.
During the hearing, Judge Ryan notified the parties that Bullocks’ refused to get off the bus and was sent back to the DC Jail. According to Judge Ryan, this is the seventh consecutive time Bullocks has refused to be at court.
Judge Ryan said that the most pressing issue is that Bullocks is not present to make a decision regarding his right to independently test DNA evidence.
Bullocks’ defense attorney, David Akulian, said he needs to talk to his client about this matter but Bullocks is refusing to see him as well.
Judge Ryan said he was concerned about Bullocks’ competence and ordered a mental screening at the last hearing. He stated that the doctor said that Bullocks’ behavior is goal-oriented in trying to delay the case. Judge Ryan concluded the easiest choice would be to order the defense to conduct DNA evidence testing so that Bullocks doesn’t give up any rights.
“He doesn’t need to waive any rights because they’re going to be exercised for him,” Judge Ryan said.
Parties are expected to reconvene on June 20.