Maurice Green. Courtesy: Knox County Jail
Members of the press and public were barred from attending a preliminary hearing Thursday for the man who police say shot and killed 28 year old Matthew Banks earlier last month.
James Beres, the Public Defender representing 43 year old Maurice Green, moved to close the hearing, arguing that press coverage and public attendence could hamper Green’s right to a fair trial. Without objection from Des Moines County Attorney Amy Beavers or assistant County Attorney Ty Rogers, District Associate Judge Michael Dieterich closed the hearing.
Only after the nearly hour-long hearing adjourned, were the results clear: Green will be tried on first degree murder charges. He’ll be formally arraigned Monday.
Police say Green shot Banks after losing a substantial sum of money while betting on a dice game.
