Defense Requests Release for A ‘Simple Case of Self-Defense’

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A homicide defendant requested release on condition of 24-hour home confinement and GPS monitoring after his trial was scheduled for next year during a Sept. 30 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Monteze Morton, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year old Dimitrious Brown on the 2800 Block of Hartford Street, SE, on March 22.

Thomas Key, Morton’s attorney, renewed his request for release with 24-hour home confinement and GPS device monitoring, arguing that the defendants will not be in the DC area since his residence is in Maryland.

The prosecution objected to this request, arguing that the defendant’s criminal history is “not old.” Judge Raffinan said that the defense must submit the request in writing in order for it to be considered.

Key also requested that parties set a date for trial now since the prosecution does not have to indict until Feb. 14, 2025.

Key argued that the defendant has a right to a speedy trial and that since it is a “simple case of self-defense” the trial should only take a week.

However, the prosecution pointed out at this early phase the defendant has yet to be indicted.

Morton’s trial date is set for Feb. 2, 2026, with prosecution estimating that the trial will take three weeks.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 14, 2025.