Latest news with #Pernell
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Shameful': Washington murder case dismissed after DNA evidence is lost
WASHNGTON — Days before a Washington murder trial was to begin, prosecutors decided the evidence they had against the defendant — who was in custody for more than five years — was not good enough, and the victim's family still wants an explanation. When John Pernell was shot to death on Nelson Place SE in July 2010, witnesses told police the retired protective service officer fought with one of four men trying to rob him and others. Pernell and his friends were setting up their barbecues for a traditional Fourth of July get-together when the men jumped a fence and announced a robbery. The investigation went nowhere until 2019, when a witness told police they should look at a man named Kavon Young. According to a document filed in D.C. Superior Court, police said DNA discovered under Pernell's fingernails matched the DNA profile of Young. The probability the DNA did not belong to Young was one in 3.4 billion in the United States African American population. But that DNA evidence — presented in court as a match in 2019 — suddenly became a mismatch two days before trial. Prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney's Office, the defense attorneys and the private lab that did the original testing will not say why. 'It's shameful. We have a right to know what happened,' said Pernell's daughter, Yolanda Pernell-Vogelson. Two days before the trial was set to begin, Pernell-Vogelson and her sister, Ayana Pernell, say they got a call from Michael Spence, the prosecutor in the case, who told them the initial calculations were wrong. 'To this day, [we] have not been given a full, understandable explanation as to why this has happened,' Ayana Pernell said. 'I mean, we are essentially victims also.' Court records show the private lab that did the testing, Bode Technology Group Inc., lost the evidence and it cannot be retested. The judge told the prosecution and defense that at trial, the jury would be told 'the government's labs and/or agencies negligently lost the DNA extract in this case' just before the trial was set to begin. In an April 9 filing, prosecutors noted again the DNA 'matched the defendant' 'as reported by Bode Technology' — a result prosecutors relied upon for five-and-a-half years until deciding two days before trial it was unreliable. Bode Technology group declined to comment. Young was released in April, and NBC Washington couldn't reach the attorneys who have been representing him. Pernell's daughters said they wrote letters to all lawmakers in the city. 'We extend our condolences to Mr. Pernell's family and friends, including his daughters," Washington Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Lindsey Appiah said in a statement Wednesday. "I've contacted them regarding his case, and we are investigating the matter to see if there is anything additional the District can do to be of assistance to ensure justice.' This article was originally published on
NBC News
5 days ago
- NBC News
'Shameful': Washington murder case dismissed after DNA evidence is lost
WASHNGTON — Days before a Washington murder trial was to begin, prosecutors decided the evidence they had against the defendant — who was in custody for more than five years — was not good enough, and the victim's family still wants an explanation. When John Pernell was shot to death on Nelson Place SE in July 2010, witnesses told police the retired protective service officer fought with one of four men trying to rob him and others. Pernell and his friends were setting up their barbecues for a traditional Fourth of July get-together when the men jumped a fence and announced a robbery. The investigation went nowhere until 2019, when a witness told police they should look at a man named Kavon Young. According to a document filed in D.C. Superior Court, police said DNA discovered under Pernell's fingernails matched the DNA profile of Young. The probability the DNA did not belong to Young was one in 3.4 billion in the United States African American population. But that DNA evidence — presented in court as a match in 2019 — suddenly became a mismatch two days before trial. Prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney's Office, the defense attorneys and the private lab that did the original testing will not say why. 'It's shameful. We have a right to know what happened,' said Pernell's daughter, Yolanda Pernell-Vogelson. Two days before the trial was set to begin, Pernell-Vogelson and her sister, Ayana Pernell, say they got a call from Michael Spence, the prosecutor in the case, who told them the initial calculations were wrong. 'To this day, [we] have not been given a full, understandable explanation as to why this has happened,' Ayana Pernell said. 'I mean, we are essentially victims also.' Court records show the private lab that did the testing, Bode Technology Group Inc., lost the evidence and it cannot be retested. The judge told the prosecution and defense that at trial, the jury would be told 'the government's labs and/or agencies negligently lost the DNA extract in this case' just before the trial was set to begin. In an April 9 filing, prosecutors noted again the DNA 'matched the defendant' 'as reported by Bode Technology' — a result prosecutors relied upon for five-and-a-half years until deciding two days before trial it was unreliable. Bode Technology group declined to comment. Young was released in April, and NBC Washington couldn't reach the attorneys who have been representing him. Pernell's daughters said they wrote letters to all lawmakers in the city. 'We extend our condolences to Mr. Pernell's family and friends, including his daughters," Washington Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Lindsey Appiah said in a statement Wednesday. "I've contacted them regarding his case, and we are investigating the matter to see if there is anything additional the District can do to be of assistance to ensure justice.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fugitive arrested by ICE in Savannah wanted for murder in another country
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment of an international fugitive who was captured in Savannah in April as part of Operation Take Back America. According to USDOJ, Orville Andrew Pernell, 32 of Jamaica, was arraigned Friday and charged with possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully present in the United States. 'Pernell is an international fugitive who was charged with murder before escaping custody in both Saint Lucia and Jamaica, and then unlawfully entering the United States under a false identity,' said acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. 'Our office is proud of the collaborative work of our United States, Saint Lucian, and Jamaican law enforcement partners whose efforts resulted in Pernell's identification and apprehension.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A federal grand jury delivered the indictment April 23, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia said. On April 15, Channel 2 Action News reported when members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement took Pernell into custody in Savannah. Pernell was arrested by ICE and members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on April 4. TRENDING STORIES: Traffic stop lands GA college student in ICE custody 2 weeks after same thing happened to father North Georgia paramedic accused of installing camera in ambulance office restroom Kemp says running for Senate would have been like Kirby Smart 'leaving Georgia to coach at Florida' At the time, ICE officials said Pernell was wanted for murder and on the run, accused of killing Clius Alfred in Saint Lucia, located in the Caribbean, in 2020. Pernell was said to have escaped custody while on trial for murder and went to Jamaica. ICE said, while announcing Pernell's arrest, that he'd been a fugitive for several years, having been encountered near California by members of the U.S. Border Patrol in December 2022 while trying to enter the United States with a fake identity. USDOJ said Pernell was arrested by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office in July 2023 after he was seen driving 115 mph. During an attempted traffic stop, he sped off but was forced to stop after hitting heavy traffic, USAO said. Officers determined the bike was stolen and while searching him, found a handgun stolen from a firearms shipment. Pernell also gave Clayton County officers a fake name when he was arrested, saying his name was O'neil Reid. Now that Pernell was charged in U.S. court, he's been ordered detained pending trial and is subject to extradition back to Saint Lucia once his case in the U.S. is done. Federal officials said the case was part of Operation Take Back America, a national immigration enforcement effort. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
International fugitive wanted for St. Lucia Murder captured in Georgia
The Brief Orville Andrew Pernell, wanted for a 2020 murder in St. Lucia, was captured in Georgia after multiple escapes and an international manhunt. Pernell faces federal charges for firearm possession and is expected to be extradited to St. Lucia for the murder trial. ICE HSI and ATF, along with local and international law enforcement, played key roles in Pernell's capture, emphasizing their commitment to public safety. A Jamaican man wanted for a 2020 murder in St. Lucia has been captured in Georgia. His arrest comes amid an international manhunt and multiple escapes from custody, federal authorities announced. What we know Orville Andrew Pernell, 32, was taken into custody without incident on April 4 in Savannah by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Pernell is accused of committing a brutal murder in St. Lucia and had been on the run for several years. He initially escaped custody during his murder trial in St. Lucia and fled to Jamaica, where he was arrested in 2021 — only to escape again. He entered the United States in December 2022 using a false identity and was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near San Ysidro, California. He was paroled into the country and issued a notice to appear. In July 2023, Pernell was arrested in Clayton County for possessing a stolen motorcycle and attempting to evade arrest. During that incident, deputies also recovered a stolen 9mm handgun. What they're saying "We are committed to tracking down fugitives who pose a serious threat to public safety, no matter where they may try to hide," said Steven N. Schrank, special agent in charge of ICE HSI Atlanta, which covers Georgia and Alabama. "This operation highlights our ongoing work to dismantle criminal networks and bring violent individuals to justice. We are thankful for our local, state, and international law enforcement partners who helped us secure this arrest." What we don't know No word on when Pernell's next court appearance will be. What's next Pernell now faces federal charges for being an alien in possession of a firearm. He is expected to be extradited to St. Lucia to stand trial for the original murder charge. What you can do Authorities urge the public to report any information regarding fugitives or illegal activity to the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or via the agency's online tip form. The Source The information in this article comes from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
ICE, ATF capture fugitive in multinational manhunt wanted for 'brutal murder' in the Caribbean
A fugitive wanted in connection with a murder has been captured by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, after escaping custody twice in the Caribbean. On April 4, Orville Andrew Pernell, a 32-year-old Jamaican citizen, was apprehended by ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agents in Savannah, Georgia, following an extensive investigation and multinational manhunt. ICE officials said Pernell is accused of committing a "brutal murder" in St Lucia in 2020 and had been a fugitive for several years. "After a long run from justice, he's finally back in custody and facing the consequences," HSI Atlanta wrote in a post on X, along with Pernell's image. Alleged Member Of Cuba's Ministry Of The Interior Arrested By Ice Agents In Miami Pernell escaped from custody in St. Lucia during his murder trial and fled to Jamaica, officials said. Additionally, officials said Pernell was arrested in Jamaica in 2021 and escaped from custody there as well. Read On The Fox News App U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered Pernell on Dec. 7, 2022, near San Ysidro, California, after he attempted to enter the United States using a fake identity, authorities said. He was paroled into the country and given a notice to appear. Texas Man Who Allegedly Threatened To Kill Ice Agents, Harm Dhs Secretary Kristi Noem Ordered To Stay In Jail Pernell was arrested by the Clayton County Sheriff in Clayton County, Georgia for the possession of a stolen motorcycle and attempting to evade arrest in July 2023. Police also found a stolen 9mm handgun in Pernell's possession during the arrest. Ice Agents Arrest Anti-israel Activist Who Led Protests On Columbia University Campus For Months Pernell was located by agents from multiple agencies and arrested in the Savannah area, where he was taken into custody without incident. Officials said Pernell faces charges of being an alien in possession of a weapon, and will stand trial for murder after he is extradited back to St. Lucia. "We are committed to tracking down fugitives who pose a serious threat to public safety, no matter where they may try to hide," said ICE HSI Special Agent in Charge Atlanta Steven N. Schrank, who also covers Georgia and Alabama. "This operation highlights our ongoing work to dismantle criminal networks and bring violent individuals to justice. We are thankful for our local, state, and international law enforcement partners who helped us secure this arrest."Original article source: ICE, ATF capture fugitive in multinational manhunt wanted for 'brutal murder' in the Caribbean
