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D.C. Witness Staff
- August 24, 2022
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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan modified the release conditions for a homicide defendant during an Aug. 24 hearing.
Bernard Matthews, 42, is accused of shooting 22-year-old Diamonte Green on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE. on Feb. 16, 2021. According to court documents, Green suffered eight gunshot wounds to his chest, arms, legs, neck, and head.
Matthews was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed and released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring.
Defense attorney Andrew Ain said Matthews has not broken any curfew violations. He also told the judge that Matthews has been involved in community events as well as activities.
“He has been an active member of the council,” stated a letter from a council member in Ward 8. “He participates in ward meet and greets. His visible appearance is important,” Ain read, asking Judge Raffinan to vacate the curfew.
“I am doing everything right,” Matthews said. “I have two children. When my child is sick, I can’t see them because of the curfew. I can’t even take my child to the hospital. They are controlling my life. I didn’t even do this,” Matthews said.
The Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) reports that Matthews missed two cell phone check-ins but that other than that he has been in compliance with the PSA conditions.
Judge Raffinan modified Matthews’ curfew but only for employment.
Judge Raffinan reminded Matthews that he must abide by his release conditions and get approval to stray from his scheduled curfew, even if it is for his job. She requested an additional number to contact, aside from the defendant’s case manager, in the event that the case manager is not available so Matthews can stay in contact with the PSA. According to the DC Superior Court website, a contact with the HISP program was filed on Aug. 24.
He is pending a Grand Jury. His next hearing is set for Oct. 18.
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