Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Offered Plea Deal

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A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges on Feb. 14 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan, but will consider a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

Monteze Morton, 21, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Dimitrious Brown on March 22, 2024, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Morton, approached Brown, who was having a disagreement with a loved one, and shot him multiple times.

During the hearing, Thomas Key, Morton’s attorney, alerted Judge Ryan he was pleading not guilty to all indictment charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

In response, the prosecution offered a plea deal, which would require Morton to acknowledge guilt for second-degree murder in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties would agree to a sentencing range of 15-to-27 years of incarceration.

Key told Judge Ryan Morton was not ready to make a decision, and prosecutors stated the offer will remain open for Morton’s consideration until the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 14.