Judge Finds Probable Cause and Orders Home Confinement in Homicide Case

By Beatriz Canals [former] , Grace Raines [former] - December 9, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a Dec. 8 preliminary hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in a murder case.  

Morris Jones, 38, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting of Tiffany Wiggins on April 17 on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

A detective testified about the investigation into surveillance footage at two grocery stores as Wiggins was killed at one. Jones visited a grocery store during the time period, so footage would confirm the location of Jones. 

The detective said he did not collect the footage until his second visit. The footage obtained was from the wrong time frame, so he returned to the store a third time. 

The video surveillance had “expired” by this time, so no evidence was collected. 

The prosecutor argued that there was probable cause to believe that Jones was the person in the Trailblazer. 

Additionally, the prosecutor identified another defendant Norven Dickerson to be Jones’ accomplice. She cited a witness’s testimony that explained existing “beef” among another subject and the defendants. 

The prosecution said it does not matter whether Jones was the driver or the shooter, he is guilty of murder. 

Defense Attorney, Prescott Loveland, argued there was no forensic or cellular evidence to corroborate Jones’ involvement in the murder. 

Surveillance footage captured the vehicle used in the incident. He stated Dickerson is the owner of the vehicle. 

Loveland said the identities of the driver and shooter could not be confirmed. 

Loveland’s argument centered around the unreliability of co-defendant, Dickerson, who has more connection to the incident. 

Dickerson had similar “beef” with the subject, explained Loveland. 

The prosecution argued in favor of the defendant’s confinement, stating that Jones committed a “brazen murder.”

She also said that there was a presumption of dangerousness, since Morris poses danger to one of the witnesses. 

On the other hand, Loveland argued that Jones has not committed a violent offense since 2002. He also said that Jones has a stable home and supportive relationship. 

Loveland emphasized that Jones would abide by a stay away order and comply with GPS requirements. 

Judge Okun stated Jones will be allowed to go on home confinement and GPS monitoring after his current detainment for violating conditions of an unrelated case. 

The next hearing is scheduled for March 3, 2023.