Judge finds probable cause in Kenneth Bellamy’s preliminary hearing

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 5, 2016
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

Judge Robert Morin found probable cause to hold Kenneth Bellamy without bail for the alleged first-degree murder of  23-year old Michael Tyrone Jones.

Jones was found shot to death in the 300 block of East Capital St., SE in December 2015. Bellamy, 32, was arrested in April in connection to Jones’ homicide.

Both the prosecution and defense examined and questioned homicide detective Paris White on Tuesday in court. White’s testimony included an extensive review of the arrest warrant he had originally written out at the scene of the murder.

The preliminary hearing began with Attorney Jon Morris, on behalf of Bellamy, insisting the government send a new copy of the fifteen page summary of the arrest warrant and witness interviews. He claimed the original copy sent to the defense was extremely redacted and arguably difficult to read.

White then took the stand and the government questioned him to fully understand his account of the crime scene and witness interviews.  The government argued four of the nine witnesses can’t be used during trial because they lack credibility. Much of the witness’ testimony in the arrest warrant is “street-rumor and assumption,” the prosecution said.

The defense cross examined White, and had him describe the crime scene where Jones’ body was found: a laundry room at 3539 E. Capitol St, SE. At this crime scene fingerprints were found belonging to two of the witnesses, but not Bellamy. Morris also asked about Bellamy’s past criminal record and work history. Bellamy had no past felony convictions, but does have two past convictions dealing with marijuana.

Morris argued that because of the lack of fingerprint evidence at the crime scene and after a review of Bellamy’s work history, Bellamy should be released to a halfway house with GPS monitoring. “No motive information has been put forward for Mr. Bellamy to commit this offense,” Morris said.

The prosecution argued against Bellamy’s release and Morin agreed, stating there exists probable cause to hold Bellamy without bail. Morin also requested the prosecution send un-redacted documents to the defense council.

Bellamy will return to court on October 14 for a felony status conference at 10:30 a.m.