Defendant Committed Murder Over Insults, Prosecutor Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 18, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a preliminary hearing Oct. 17, a prosecutor argued that a murder defendant killed his friend over a “few insults.”

Keith Toney, 41, is being charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 45-year-old Melton Grant on the 600 block of Morton Street, NW in June.

A Metropolitan Police Department detective said two witnesses said the fight happened because Grant made fun of Toney’s eyepatch which, he was known to wear at times.

The detective also said security video showed Grant punching Toney but the another witness initially said that it was Toney who punched Grant. 

The prosecution said there was surveillance footage that depicted the shooting and Toney was identified by both witnesses.

Defense attorney James King argued that none of the witnesses were reliable and therefore the prosecution failed to demonstrate probable cause.  

King raised the issue that one of the witnesses, who was not present when the crime was committed, relied on information from friends who were present.

Despite King’s arguments DC Superior Court Judge Juliet Mckenna ruled that the prosecution met the standard of probable cause. 

Toney rejected a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter before the hearing began.

Toney is scheduled for a felony status conference on Nov. 4.