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DNA tests could crack Chesterfield mansion-party murders

Posted at 1:06 PM, Dec 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-14 13:06:27-05

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Seven suspects charged in connection with a deadly double shooting at a Chesterfield mansion party on Chesdin Green Way appeared before a judge Wednesday.

Chesterfield County Judge James O’Connell listened to each of the seven cases and ruled to continue them until February 16.

Chesterfield Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Ken Nickels asked the judge to move back the preliminary hearings as they waited for important test results to come back. Nickels said detectives found 70 shell casings at the scene of the September 4 shooting.

In October, police seized nine weapons believed to have been used the night in question.

The casings and weapons were sent to the crime lab for DNA and fingerprint testing.

The testing is a lengthy process, so the Commonwealth asked for the hearings to be delayed.

All seven defendants, who range in age from 18 to 21, were charged with gang participation. Six of the suspects were charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

The suspects arrested are:

Djion C. Bowles, 20, of the 2900 block of Blendwell Road in Richmond;

Kennson Clairsaint, 20, of the 2700 block of Geneva Drive in Richmond;

Corey T. Harris, 19, of the 3200 block of Kingsdale Road in Chesterfield;

Kendric R. Hill, 20, of the 4100 block of Mallard Landing Circle in Chesterfield;

Devin D. Taylor, 21, of the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike in Richmond;

Tevon J. Todd, 18, of the 2900 block of Burley Ridge Terrace in Chesterfield; and

Devontrey Harris, 18, of the 11600 block of Waterford Drive in Chesterfield

Devontrey Harris was the only suspect not charged with second-degree murder, but was the only one charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling.

Police called the crime scene a “mansion party,” which is when party goers flock to a house that is under construction. Word of the party spread through social media.

"With two to three hundred people at that party we believe there are a lot of people out there that have information that will be helpful to this investigation,” Chesterfield Police Capt. Mike Louth said.

Duval Turner, Jr., 22 of Richmond and Marc Starkes, 22 of Amelia, were both shot and killed at the house party.

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