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By
Sahas Wijewardene
, Carolina Noviello – July 9, 2025
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Victims
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A murder defendant waived his rights to independent DNA testing in an evidentiary hearing before D.C. Superior Court Judge Jason Park on July 9.
Jelani Cousin, 19, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, and attempted second-degree sexual abuse on an incompetent victim.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds on Jan. 1, 2024 at a hotel on the 4000 block of Military Road, NW.
The prosecution listed the evidence that would be admitted to the case as swabs from red solo cups found in the hotel room. It was suspected that the solo cups contained alcohol but the physical evidence was not collected on scene.
Defense attorney Kevin Mosley waived his client’s rights to independent testing.
The prosecution noted that parties are still deliberating possible resolutions.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 16.
