Prosecution Withdraws Plea Offer in Murder Case As Defendant Waffles

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

A prosecutor told DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan the office was withdrawing a plea offer they extended to a homicide defendant on March 14, after he was unable to finalize his decision in court.

Monteze Morton, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Dimitrious Brown on March 22, 2024 on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

During the hearing, Thomas Key, Morton’s attorney, alerted Judge Ryan that he planned on rejecting the prosecution’s plea offer, which would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties would agree to a 19-to-24 year sentence.

“To be honest your honor, I know my situation,” Morton told Judge Ryan when asked if he was rejecting it, before Judge Ryan interrupted him and advised to speak with Key to ensure he didn’t say anything that would harm his case.

“It’s a serious legal decision,” Judge Ryan said about Morton’s decision.

After a brief break, Key told Judge Ryan “He knows what he did and didn’t do, and doesn’t want to take the plea offer.” However, when asked by Judge Ryan if he had sufficient time to make a decision with his attorney, Morton hesitated and was unable to answer.

Judge Ryan stated he would give Morton until Monday to decide, but the prosecution objected, stating the deal expired today and if he didn’t accept or reject it in the hearing they would be withdrawing it.

“If he needs more time, he needs more time,” Judge Ryan told the prosecution, with Key responding “He’s very clear he doesn’t want to take it.”

“My job is to figure out if someone’s doing something knowingly and voluntarily,” Judge Ryan stated.

The prosecution said they were withdrawing it, after Morton requested additional time to review evidence with his attorney before making a final decision.

Key also requested Morton be released, stating he can get a job and this is a “very strong self-defense case,” adding Morton maintains his innocence.

Judge Ryan denied the motion, stating Morton has two prior convictions, one for which he didn’t do well in parole, and insisted there are no conditions of release that can guarantee the community’s safety.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 1.