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D.C. Witness Staff
- February 26, 2020
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A judge granted a defense attorney’s request for a murder defendant to be released during a preliminary hearing.
Kemonte Martin, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Eric Mercer on the 4700 Block of Benning Road, SE on Nov. 22, 2019. Mercer succumbed to his injuries on Nov. 26, 2019.
DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Lee Beck granted the defense’s request for Martin to be released. Judge Beck ordered Martin to home detention with GPS monitoring. Martin will be released due to his lack of a record and Judge Beck did not see where Martin would be a threat to the community and its safety.
Martin will be allowed to leave his home only for medical exceptions, meetings with his attorney, and college visits.
Judge Beck found probable cause that Martin committed the offense and was on the scene. She failed to find substantial probability.
A felony status conference is scheduled to occur on May 8.
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