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By
Kerryn Ayers
- April 2, 2025
Attempted Murder
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Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland approved counsel’s motion for “appropriate relief” on April 1 after defense attorney Daniel Wright requested more time to obtain additional DNA samples from his client and a co-defendant.
Travon Jefferson, 37, is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and assault, as well as conspiracy to carry a handgun in connection to an April 25, 2011 incident. Getting Jefferson’s DNA was compromised by “chain of custody issues” and potential contamination, counsel told the court. Both the prosecution and Wright requested documentation detailing whether proper controls were maintained during the collection and evaluation of DNA samples.
Judge Copeland said she plans to contact officials to discuss the possibility of taking DNA swabs at correctional facilities, which could expedite proceedings.
Jefferson expressed concern that Wright, who attended the hearing via Zoom, was not physically present in court despite the severity of his charges.