Three witnesses testified against the defendant in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 3.
George Sutton, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of John Coleman, 34, on May 1, 2023, on the 2000 block of M Street, NE.
A forensic service manager of ShotSpotter technology, which records the audio of gunshots, testified that data retrieved from sensors in the area of the incident from May 1, 2023 recorded 10 gunshots. The audio was played in court.
A DNA expert testified that eight firearm cartridges were tested for DNA by their lab. They testified that the results came back as having either insufficient DNA or as having inconclusive results. Two of the cartridges did not have enough DNA to run identifying testing but the expert determined that the DNA present was likely a mixture of two people’s DNA.
During cross examination from defense attorney Steven Kiersh, the DNA expert explained that the first round of testing failed but that they were confident that every procedure was done correctly.
A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lieutenant testified that Sutton’s car was allegedly captured by license plate reader cameras. The photo was entered into evidence by the prosecution. It is unclear where or when the camera captured the vehicle.
Parties are slated to reconvene Dec 8.
