Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

By Yani Barrera [former] , Lexie Manning [former] - October 13, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Oct. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a homicide defendant’s motion for release. 

Morris Jones, 39, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and destruction of property of $1000 or more while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Tiffany Wiggins, on April 17, 2022 at the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

Prosecutors called the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective on the case. The officer was questioned regarding surveillance footage that allegedly captured the vehicle used in the incident, in addition to a cellular device thought to be used by Jones at the time of the crime.

The detective stated a Facebook account in the cellular device was allegedly linked to Jones’s name. According to the detective, a witness claimed that Jones did use the device. When asked about the surveillance footage, the detective stated that one of the individuals presented in the footage was Jones, saying he had the same complexion and features.

During cross examination, Jones’s defense attorney, Prescott Loveland, argued that there was inconsistent information provided, stating that there was “no DNA, [and] no fingerprints in this case”. Loveland questioned the evidence’s credibility, stating that the surveillance footage was unreliable due to its nature of being “blurry”.

However, Judge Okun found probable cause, stating that the evidence does show the defendant at the scene of crime. Judge Okun stated that the case against Jones is stronger than it was at his preliminary hearing based on the recent evidence provided.

Judge Okun denied the release motion.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 1.