Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

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A shooting defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 17.

Jonathan Dawkins, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, and threat to kidnap or injure a person, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 700 block of G Street, SE, on April 24, 2023. No injuries were reported.

In court, the prosecution alerted the court that, despite recovering multiple items including cartridge casings, a car, and two phones, they would not be conducting any DNA testing.

Likewise, Dominique Winters, Dawkins’ defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to independent DNA testing.

Parties are slated to return on Dec. 20.