Judge Denies Defendant’s Release in 2021 Homicide Case

By McKenna Bryant , Mia Febles - April 8, 2024
Court | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On April 8, DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe denied a defense motion to reconsider a murder defendant’s pretrial release conditions. 

Bernard Matthews, 44, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Diamonte Green. The incident occurred on Feb. 16, 2021, on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE. 

In the hearing, Matthew’s attorney, Marnitta King, motioned for reconsideration of his pretrial release conditions.

King argued that despite his alleged challenges with GPS monitoring, Matthews “had shown so much compliance for two years,” before he was taken back into custody in June of 2023.  

Given that and few infractions at the DC Jail, King requested that the court release Matthews again with GPS monitoring.

The prosecution opposed King’s motion, and pointed out Matthews’ prior challenges with GPS were because he “didn’t communicate with Pretrial Services” about changes in his employment schedule.

Judge O’Keefe denied the motion, due to the case’s proximity to trial, and Matthews’ prior curfew violations,

Parties are slated to return June 28.