Defense Says Police ‘Helped Modify the Crime Scene’ in Murder Trial

By Vivien Williams [former] - August 9, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Team Members - Staff | Victims |

A defense attorney claimed police manipulated evidence in a homicide investigation during closing arguments before  DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 8.

Bernard Matthews, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvemsent in the shooting death of 22-year-old Diamonte Green on Feb. 16, 2021, on the 300 block of 33rd St, SE.

In her closing arguments, Matthews’ attorney, Marnitta King, said prosecutors “told [the jury] a story they made up,” and added “there’s so much that the [prosecution] didn’t tell you.” King has repeatedly stated during the trial that the prosecution has failed to provide all relevant evidence to the jury. 

King said there are other suspects that should be considered, namely the witness who called the police.

King also claimed that police assisted that witness and “helped modify the crime scene” including a cell phone and moving shell casings. 

In their arguments, the prosecution told the jury that King was telling them to “ignore the evidence of your eyes and ears.”

The prosecution showed screenshots of threatening Instagram messages that Green had sent to Matthews’ son. They also played footage of an individual, identified as Matthews, walking into the apartment complex where Green’s body was found.

In order to dispute the defense’s claims that one of the witnesses may have been the shooter, prosecutors played the 911 call of the witness asking for help and saying “hurry up, hurry up.” The witness had previously testified that he and Green were “best friends.”

They showed a photo of Green’s body and said he was bleeding internally, according to medical examiners.

The prosecution argued that Matthews had a motive citing that Green had been threatening the defendant’s son. They stated that Matthews “ took it upon himself to make himself the judge, the jury, and the executioner.”

“If you follow the evidence, you’ll find the defendant guilty,” the prosecutor told the jury. 

Parties will reconvene when the jury has reached a verdict.