Judge Finds Probable Cause for Murder Suspect

By Belinda Miguel - June 28, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on June 27 that there was probable cause that a homicide defendant committed a murder. 

Monteze Morton, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting  29-year-old Dimitrious Brown on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.  

According to court documents, two people were engaged in an argument when Brown attempted to strike an individual who was Morton’s ex-girlfriend. That’s when a third person, identified as Morton, came up and allegedly shot Brown.

The defense cited evidence to suggest that the defendant acted in self-defense, saying the victim appeared  to place his right arm in front of his body near his waistband and had previously assaulted his friend. 

The prosecution argued for probable cause due to the fact that the defendant did not know the victim before the incident and no firearm was recovered on Brown.

Judge Raffinan ultimately ruled that there was probable cause for the first-degree murder while armed and insufficient evidence to prove that the defendant acted in self defense. 

“He acted with a premeditated mindset”, said Judge Raffinan. 

The defendant is being held without bond. 

Additionally, the defense requested to set a trial date during Thursday’s hearing, however, the judge denied the request.

Parties are slated to return on Oct. 2.