Trial Delayed for Outstanding DNA Sample

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DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe delayed a shooting trial, slated to begin on Oct. 7, in order to ensure the service of a buccal swab warrant to gather DNA evidence from a sample taken inside of a person’s cheek. The move came during a hearing on Sept. 30.

Demann Shelton, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one individual on Nov. 9, 2020 on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW. 

The defense attorney, Emily Sufrin, also argued that the indictment with a deadline 90 days after Shelton’s April 3 arrest, should already ave already been delivered. They further argued that the prosecution delayed the buccal swab warrant by 72 days.  

According to the prosecution, the buccal swab was delayed due to a previous prosecutor’s dealing with personal emergencies. 

Judge Pipe reordered the buccal swab after a conversation with the prosecutor.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 7.