Judge Denies Release of Defendant Accused in Death of Two-Year-Old

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During a status hearing on June 1, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied the release of a defendant in a 2022 murder case following surveillance footage allegedly showing him assaulting a two-year-old victim.

Dasean Matthews, 24, is charged with first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree child cruelty. Matthews allegedly assaulted two-year-old Mars Jones on Oct. 13, 2022 on the unit block of Atlantic Street, SW, which led to his death five days later.

The prosecution presented surveillance footage from a Dunkin’ Donuts shop located on the 800 block of Quincy Street, NW.

The videos showed instances of Matthews striking the child in the face, knocking him into a railing, and grabbing his clothing. The prosecution said the videos demonstrate that no circumstances could allow for Matthews’ release due to his dangerousness.

Matthews’ attorney, Sylvia Smith, said the prosecution was trying to play on the court’s emotions. She said the videos depict rough play, not child abuse.

She pointed to the presence of Matthews’ family as a testament to his being “pivotal in everybody’s life.”

The defense proposed strict home confinement so Matthews can access mental health services and work towards earning his G.E.D.

Judge O’Keefe said the interactions shown in the videos were “not consistent with playful conduct.”

He denied Matthews’ release and stated he was a danger to the community because he was willing to harm a child in public. He further stated no conditions or combination of conditions could assure the safety of the community.

Another defendant related to the case, Monet Jones, the victim’s mother, attended the hearing virtually. Jones, 25, is charged with one count of second-degree cruelty to children, one count of obstruction of justice, three counts of perjury, and one count of tampering with physical evidence for her alleged involvement in the case. She entered a plea of not guilty.

Parties are expected to return on Sept. 29 for another status hearing.

The trial for both defendants is set to begin on Feb. 8, 2024.