DNA samples taken from slaying suspect.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Gary V. Murray

WORCESTER - The man accused of murdering Michael R. Deppe in his Portland Street apartment provided a court-ordered sample of his DNA yesterday for comparative testing.

Christian A. Pizarro, 22, of 17 Dorchester St. is awaiting trial in Worcester Superior Court on charges of murder and larceny of a motor vehicle in the April 28 shooting death of the 27-year-old Mr. Deppe, whose body was discovered April 30 in his Bancroft Common Lofts apartment at 26 Portland St. An autopsy determined Mr. Deppe died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Through his lawyer, Peter L. Ettenberg, Mr. Pizarro assented yesterday to a motion filed by Assistant District Attorney Thomas E. Landry asking that the suspect be required to submit to the collection of an oral swab for DNA profiling and comparison. The swab was taken at the courthouse.

According to an affidavit in support of request submitted by Detective Sgt. Gary Quitadamo, Mr. Pizarro was captured on surveillance video leaving 26 Portland St. alone on April 28 and driving off in a 2012 Cadillac CTS that was leased to Mr. Deppe.

The vehicle was never returned to 26 Portland St. and was later found on Ward Street, a short distance from Mr. Pizarro's Dorchester Street home, according to the affidavit. Before the theft of the car, the surveillance video had captured Mr. Deppe, accompanied by Mr. Pizarro, entering and/or exiting 26 Portland St. twice, the affidavit states.

On May 22, Mr. Pizarro was arrested on a warrant charging him with larceny of a motor vehicle in connection with the theft of...