DNA Request Holds up Case of Black Criminal Accused of Killing 2 White Motel Workers

Ocala
July 8, 2014

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Investigators said Glendora Johnson was shot twice in the chest.

Attorneys for a man charged with killing two people at the Vacation Host Inn are asking for more information after DNA from one of the victims was discovered on a gun collected at the home where the defendant was arrested.

On Monday, parties involved in the case of Kelvin Lee Coleman Jr., 38, stood before Circuit Judge Robert Hodges for a hearing in the case concerning two defense motions. The defense asked for the state to turn over phone records and DNA information that are part of the state’s documents in the case, known as discovery.

Coleman was arrested on March 13, 2013, the day after he was accused of fatally shooting Lester Carter, 42, and Glendora Johnson, 54, at the Vacation Host Inn located off South Pine Avenue in Ocala.

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A witness said 42-year-old Lester Carter was shot several times and then beaten with a gun.

Coleman has pleaded not guilty in the case and told the Star-Banner in January that he was not at the inn on the night of the murder.

Several witnesses have identified Coleman as the shooter.

Authorities found an unspent .40-caliber bullet near the scene.

Coleman was arrested at his mother’s home in the Silver Springs Shores area, where officials found a Beretta semi-automatic handgun, magazine and six live .40-caliber bullets.

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Kelvin Coleman is facing several charges, including two counts of first degree murder.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement analyzed a swab taken from the handgun and determined it matched the DNA profile of Carter.

In her motion, Assistant Public Defender Tricia Jenkins pointed out potential problems with the results and cases where individuals have been exonerated due to DNA evidence.

“We need to get it right,” Jenkins told Hodges, urging him to compel the state to provide her with more materials as soon as possible.

“We need to get our expert on it quickly, your honor,” Jenkins said.