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By
John Battistelli [former]
- April 7, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Victims
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An evidence specialist found a knife prosectors say links a defendant to a fatal stabbing. The testimony was presented to a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom on April 3.
Julian Ruffin, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Alphonso Lee on Oct. 7, 2022 on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE.
The prosecution called a Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) agent who executed a search warrant of Ruffin’s apartment and allegedly found a folding knife at the bottom of a trash can underneath a partially full trash bag as well as a blood stained undershirt.
A DNA specialist who evaluated the evidence said that DNA samples from both the bloody shirt and the recovered knife were highly likely to be Lee’s. The undershirt, said the analyst, probably contained Ruffin’s DNA as well.
Ruffin’s attorney, Kevin Irving, questioned the witness about the DNA’s source. He noted that if Ruffin were in an argument with Lee, Lee’s spit and sweat could easily have led to his DNA being present on the undershirt.
An MPD officer testified she followed a blood trail leading to Ruffin’s apartment. She added she was present when Ruffin was questioned by detectives, and although he was cooperative, denied any involvement of the crime.
A DNA specialist who evaluated the evidence said that DNA samples from both the bloody shirt and the recovered knife were highly likely to be Lee’s. The undershirt, said the analyst, probably contained Ruffin’s DNA.
Ruffin’s attorney, Kevin Irving, questioned the witness about the DNA’s source. He noted that if Ruffin were in an argument with Lee, Lee’s spit and sweat could easily have led to his DNA being present on the undershirt.
The prosecution also called a forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy on Lee. She noted that he had several injuries consistent with being attacked by a knife, including both stab wounds and long cuts. According to the pathologist, the manner of death was homicide and the cause of death were sharp force injuries.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.