The first-degree murder charge against a suspect in the slaying of a Maryland State Police trooper carries a possible penalty of death, a judge said Tuesday.
Judge Jean S. Baron ordered 28-year-old Anthony Milton be held without bond. Milton's defense requested he be transferred out of Prince George's County jail, but Baron agreed with the prosecution that a transfer was unnecessary. The request, though, was a reminder of suspected cop killer Ronnie White, who died in a Prince George's County jail cell just two days after his arrest.
Milton appeared via video for his hearing in Prince George's County District Court. Baron told Milton that the charge carries the death penalty, though prosecutors haven't said whether they'll pursue that.
Due to the egregious nature of the charges and appalling statement of facts, Milton should continue to be detained without bond, Baron said. Milton stood in an orange jumpsuit, with his hands held behind him, and replied "yes ma'am" when asked to confirm his identity.
Charging documents said Milton admitted that he and Cyril Cornelius Williams carried out the shooting.
Cyril Cornelius Williams, 27, also is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying. He is being held in Baltimore on parole and probation violation.
Police have not disclosed which suspect was the gunman.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
The shooting happened early Friday morning outside the Applebee's on Donnell Drive in Forestville. Wesley Brown, 24, who had been a state trooper for more than three years, was working off-duty as security at the restaurant. Police said Williams refused to pay the bill and became disorderly at about midnight and Brown escorted him out of the restaurant.
Police believe Williams returned a half-hour later with Milton. They shot Brown and then fled on foot, police said. Brown was wearing a jacket clearly marked with "Police" on the back.
Police said the initial investigation showed that Brown was talking on the phone when he was shot without warning. Multiple shell casings were found at the scene.
Brown collapsed back inside the restaurant and was transported to an area hospital, where he died. He had worn is vest, but it didn't stop the bullet from hitting his heart.
Milton told police that he returned with Williams to the restaurant and both participated in the homicide, police said. Police believe the motive was that Williams was kicked out of the restaurant.
Funeral services for Brown will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Jericho City of Praise in Landover followed by burial at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland. A public viewing will be help at 4 p.m. Friday at Abyssinia Baptist Church in Capitol Heights.
There is a total of $75,000 in rewards being offered for information in this case -- $25,000 from the state, $25,000 from the county, and $25,000 from Applebee's. Police are still looking for information as they build their case, though they believe there are no other suspects.
Courtroom sketches in the video courtesy Bill Hennessy.
Fan, Follow and Text: Get the latest from NBCWashington.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up for our e-mail newsletters and get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text DCBREAKING to 622339 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
