Judge finds probable cause on murder suspect

By Belinda Miguel
– June 28, 2024
Daily Stories | Murders | Shootings | Suspects | Victims |

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled June 27 that there was a probable cause that the accused man committed murder.

Monteze Morton, 21, has been charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year-old Dimitrious Brown in the 2800 block of Hartford Street SE.

Court documents say two people were arguing when Brown tried to hit someone who was Morton’s ex-girlfriend. That’s when a third person, identified as Morton, approached and allegedly shot Brown.

The defense cited evidence suggesting the defendant acted in self-defense, saying the victim likely placed his right hand in front of him, near his belt, and had previously attacked his friend.

The prosecutor’s office cited as probable cause the fact that the defendant did not know the victim before the incident and that no firearm was found on Brown.

Judge Raffinan ultimately ruled that there was probable cause for first-degree murder while armed and that the evidence was insufficient to prove that the defendant was acting in self-defense.

“He acted with premeditation,” Judge Raffinan said.

The defendant is in custody without bail.

Additionally, during Thursday’s hearing, the defense requested that a trial date be set, but the judge rejected the request.

Events are scheduled to return on October 2.

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