Murder case headed to jury trial

A first-degree felony murder case against Maurice Defrance Montgomery is moving closer to a full jury trial after attorneys failed to reach an agreement on findings from two separate forensic evaluations, according to Superior Court Judge Vernon Perez. 

Montgomery is charged in connection with the July death of an 85-year-old woman in Dededo. Court documents allege he assaulted the elderly victim inside a residence before later being involved in a three-car crash on Route 16 in Barrigada, where officers reportedly found him naked and behaving erratically.

Defense attorney Mary Leigh Hill told the court there is no agreement with prosecutors on the underlying forensic findings, signaling the case will proceed toward trial. She also raised concerns about Montgomery’s court-ordered medical needs while in custody at the Department of Corrections.

A closed session was granted to address bond and medical concerns.

The next status hearing is set for March 3 at 4 p.m. via Zoom.

Montgomery faces multiple additional charges, including aggravated assault with a special allegation of a vulnerable victim, attempted strangulation, assault on a peace officer, indecent exposure, and resisting arrest.