Judge Finds Probable Cause in Case of 76-Year-Old’s Homicide

By Rebecca Silverman [former] - February 23, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that the evidence against a defendant accused of killing a 76-year-old man is enough to bring his case to trial.

On Sept. 28, 2021, 57-year-old Clifton Browne was called to work on a house on the 1300 block of Kalmia Road, NW. The victim, Luther Brooks, was living in the basement but the landlord reportedly wanted to kick him out and convert the basement into an Airbnb.

As the landlord showed Browne around, she knocked on the basement door and an argument with Brooks ensued, according to court documents. Browne allegedly kicked down the door, prompting Brooks to strike him with a stick. Browne allegedly fought back and “pummeled” him, dragging Brooks out the back door.

Brooks died three days later. The cause of death was ruled to be blunt force trauma.

During the Feb. 16 preliminary hearing, the prosecution called the lead detective on the case to the witness stand and played an audio recording of a conversation between the detective and the defendant.

In the recording, Browne could be heard saying, “I blacked out, I went berserk,” describing his actions as self-defense. Although he is younger, Browne is shorter and lighter than Brooks.

The prosecution argued that Browne fought back against Brooks with excessive force.

After making a finding of probable cause for the charge of second-degree murder, Judge Marisa Demeo denied the defense’s request to release Browne into the High Intensity Supervision Program, citing his prior assault convictions.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 21.