Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request to Modify Pretrial Release Conditions

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A DC Superior Court judge denied a request to change a murder defendant’s pretrial release conditions.

Bernard Matthews is accused of fatally shooting 22-year-old Diamonte Green on the 300 block of 33rd Street, NE, on Feb. 16, 2021. Green sustained eight gunshot wounds to the torso, extremities, neck and head, according to court documents.

Matthews, 42, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed two months later. He was released into the High Intensity Supervision Program with GPS monitoring. He has remained released ever since.

During a Feb. 1 hearing, Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a request to lift the defendant’s curfew after he was reported to have violated his curfew in three different instances. Defense attorney Andrew Ain said these violations were due to his client having changes to his work schedule, specifically late at night. He has also been unable to contact the office of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Raffinan reminded Matthews that he must abide by his release conditions and get approval to stray from his scheduled curfew, even if it is for his job. She requested an additional number to contact, aside from the defendant’s case manager, in the event that the case manager is not available so Matthews can stay in contact with the PSA. 

The next hearing is set for April 29.

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