Two Defendants Waive Rights to DNA Testing, A Third Requests More Time

By Alesar Harfoush [former] - April 4, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

During April 4 court proceedings two defendants waived their right to DNA testing while a third asked for more time. 

Stefon Freshley, 27, Jamal Matthews,34, and Darnell Savoy, 23, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed regarding a non-fatal-shooting that occurred on Dec 28, 2018, on the 200 block of 54th Street, NE. 

On Tuesday counsel for both Matthews and Savoy waived their rights for DNA testing; however counsel for Freshley said the defendant still needed more time to decide whether or not he wanted to test. 

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe expressed his concern about having to delay the trial again if the decision regarding DNA testing was not made soon.

“This is not something I am rushing to waive,” said defense attorney Matthew Davies on behalf of Freshley 

“You are not rushing, it’s a 2019 case” Judge O’keefe replied. However, he granted Davis more time and scheduled a status hearing on April 12. 

According to court documents, Metropolitan Department Police (MPD) officers were called to the incident after multiple gunshots were heard. Officers located a dark colored SUV riddled with some  two dozen bullet holes with a minor child inside with gunshot wounds to his head and left side. His father was outside the vehicle also suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

According to the prosecution, the shooting was a result of a homicide that happened three days prior. The prosecutior said the shooting was a result of mistaken identity. The shooters targeted the father and minor child because their vehicle  looked like a vehicle used in a homicide three days earlier. 

All parties are scheduled to return to court on June 2 for a motion hearing.