Charge Updated to First-Degree Murder in 2021 Homicide

By Sylvie Sussman [former] - June 7, 2023
Daily Stories | Documents | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On June 7, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ordered that a homicide defendant be taken into custody due to an updated indictment and continuous violations of release conditions. 

Bernard Matthews, 43, originally accused of second-degree murder, is now charged with first-degree murder while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 22-year-old Diamonte Green on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SW, on February 16, 2021. 

According to court documents, Green suffered eight gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene after allegedly threatening a relative of Matthews. 

A DC Pretrial Services Agency representative appeared on camera to recount Matthews’ alleged frequent violations of his release conditions. 

Agency records show the defendant failed to abide by his release conditions almost daily, with the most recent infraction being June 5.  That includes “masking” his electronic GPS monitor in order to prevent it from tracking his location. 

The prosecution asked for Matthews’ removal from supervised release, given his charges had been upgraded to first-degree murder and he had already received a warning regarding noncompliance in his previous hearing. 

Defense attorney Andrew Ain protested the change, arguing that Matthews had “complied for a period of time” and was violating the conditions in order to work and help members of the community. 

Ain further stated that “The court’s requirements of [Matthews] are not the only requirements in his life.” 

Judge O’Keefe rejected the argument and ordered Matthews be taken into custody. 

The next hearing is scheduled for September 15, 2023.