Judge Finds Probable After Murder Victim Stabbed 15 Times

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide matter on Sept. 11.

Adrian Morgan, 64, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing 42-year-old Tiffany Parker on the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

According to court documents, Morgan told police Parker had pulled out a knife on him after an argument about money. Morgan was able to take the knife away and proceeded to stab Parker allegedly in self-defense.

During the hearing, the lead detective for the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about an interview with Morgan. In the conversation, according to the detective, Morgan admitted to being under the influence during the incident and stated he did not remember much of the event.

The detective also testified about the findings from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), who found that the victim sustained 15 stab wounds and ruled her death a homicide.

According to the detective, officers located an unwrapped and unrolled condom in Morgan’s apartment when they responded to the scene and collected evidence. The prosecution argues that the incident occurred because of a sexual transaction that went wrong.

Elizabeth Weller, Morgan’s attorney, argued that the detective had seen a few knicks and cuts on Morgan’s hands which indicated he was defending himself from the victim, but the detective did not remember seeing the injuries.

Following the detective’s testimony, Weller argued Morgan acted in self-defense, and argued if he is facing charges it should be voluntary manslaughter.

However, the prosecution reiterated the stabbing stemmed from an argument regarding sexual favors, which could incentivize Morgan to tell a different story.

“It is too early to rely on a self-serving statement of someone who was intoxicated,” Judge O’Keefe stated, arguing that the self-defense claim can be made at a later time.

While Weller argued for Morgan’s release to home confinement with a GPS tracking device, the prosecution listed a lengthy criminal history. Judge O’Keefe denied bail because of Morgan’s “significant violent history,” and the nature and circumstances of the incident.

Judge O’Keefe recommended the Department of Corrections (DoC) place Morgan at the medium security Central Treatment Facility (CTF) due to his age.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 4.