Three Homicide Co-Defendants Waive Right for Independent DNA Testing

By Sadie Herman [former] - December 18, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Dec. 18, three homicide co-defendants waived their right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at a homicide scene before  DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun. 

Raymond Avent, 23, Tyler Stringfield, 24, and Keith Baham, 23, are charged with allegedly murdering Rafiq Hawkins, 23, on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

Avent, Baham, and Stringfield are facing multiple counts, including first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.

Counsel for the defendants, Elizabeth Weller, Todd Baldwin, and Brian Shefferman, informed the court that they will all be waiving their right to independent DNA testing. 

Judge Okun explained to the Avent, Stringfield, and Baham that they all have a right to independently test DNA in their case if they choose. Avent, Stringfield, and Baham then continued to waive their right.

Parties are expected back March 19.