Expert: Suspect’s DNA found on gun that killed Ayshawn Davis, 11 – Times Union

TROY A sample of DNA found on the handgun used in the drive-by shooting of 11-year-old Ayshawn Davis matched the DNA profile of Jahquay Brown, a State Police forensic scientist testified at Browns murder trial Tuesday.

Meredith Pelletier, a DNA expert who has worked with the State Police for 16 years, told jurors Browns profile matched that of the major contributor of DNA on the .40 caliber handgun with the chances of it being from someone else less than 1 in 320 billion.

Police said they discovered the gun in a book bag found in Browns home in Cohoes. The DNA of three lesser contributors was also found on the gun.

Rensselaer County prosecutors allege the evidence backs their contention that Brown, 22, was in a blue Honda Accord that carried the gunman who opened fire at a crowd on Old Sixth Avenue in Troy, killing Davis on Sept. 13, 2020, at 11:20 p.m.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Matthew Hauf has not said Brown was or was not the triggerman. The defendant is not charged with being the shooter, but acting together with another person in the car to commit the murder in a case of depraved indifference second-degree murder.

During cross-examination, Browns defense attorney, Robert Molloy, asked Pelletier about the DNA of the other three people found on the gun.

The DNA that was the most, that had the highest (amount), matched that of Jahquay Brown, Pelletier said.

She testified that a soda bottle recovered from the Honda had DNA that did not match Brown or anyone in the case.

Another prosecution witness, State Police forensic scientist Victoria OConnor, testified that projectile fragments and shell casings found at the crime scene were fired from the weapon found in Browns book bag.

Molloy asked OConnor if she could say who fired the weapon and when. She said she could not.

A forensic pathologist, Bernard Ng, testified later Tuesday that Davis cause of death was severe head trauma from a gunshot to the head.

Hauf, who called 14 witnesses and entered more than 200 pieces of evidence, rested his case.Molloy did not present a defense.

Both sides are expected to deliver closing arguments on Wednesday.

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Expert: Suspect's DNA found on gun that killed Ayshawn Davis, 11 - Times Union