Shooting trial postponed as prosecutor demands DNA test

By Caitlin Blackman
– 21 August 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

Prosecutors told the court they would proceed with DNA evidence in a shooting case, effectively postponing proceedings. The case was heard in an Aug. 20 hearing before D.C. Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly being involved in a shooting that left one person with an ankle injury. The incident occurred March 7 in the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

During the hearing, Walker's lawyers Tamara Jones and James King requested his release on bail as the trial was scheduled to begin today.

The prosecution stated that after the defense filed a motion for independent testing of the DNA evidence, the prosecution decided to conduct its own DNA testing to “get to the bottom of the truth here.”

Prosecutors also rejected defense allegations that they had delayed the trial, saying they wanted to conduct the DNA tests to be “transparent and open.” The defense does not have to disclose the results of its DNA tests unless it plans to present the results in court.

Judge Arthur denied the defense's motion for bail on the grounds that there was “no material change of circumstances.” Judge Arthur also agreed that the prosecution had not intentionally delayed the trial.

The parties asked Judge Arthur to schedule a status hearing in the next few days to discuss how much DNA material is available for testing and what other motions the defense has filed before setting a trial date.

The parties are scheduled to meet again on August 22.

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