A lawyer for one of three men involved in the July murder of a Chicago woman in River Forest objected last week to a request to consume DNA evidence that’s still being tested.
Until more information is available, attorney Alfredo Maldonado, who represented Cardell Taylor during a status hearing at Maybrook courthouse, Jan. 4, said he objected to the consumption requested by Assistant State’s Attorney Maureen O’Brien.
Maldonado said he didn’t know what methodology was being used to conduct the tests of DNA swabs from the gun allegedly used to kill 29-year-old Chervon Alexander. Since there’s a possibility he could conduct his own investigation using different methodology, he said he didn’t want all of the DNA used up.
O’Brien said she could get notes about the methodology though they’d be incomplete because the testing is ongoing.
While Maldonado and O’Brien discussed the testing in front of Judge Noreen Love, Taylor, 35, the alleged shooter, and Devin Bickham Sr., 39, Alexander’s boyfriend, appeared in yellow prison outfits and did not speak. Bickham’s son, Devin Bickham Jr., 20, appeared separately.
All three men are facing first-degree murder charges for Alexander’s death. Bickham Sr. allegedly drove her to a parking lot near Priory Park on the night of July 11. Taylor then approached the vehicle and opened fire through the passenger-side window, where Alexander was sitting. Bickham Jr. allegedly drove the getaway car.
They are due back in court on Feb. 14.