By Andy Hoffman
The Hawk Eye
BURLINGTON, Iowa — During the brief video hearing, Green told Dieterich he slapped the inmate on the forearm Wednesday after he called him a racial slur.
Dieterich told Green not to do that anymore, suggesting he notify jail personnel if had a problem with another inmate.
However, court documents filed in connection with the incident did not say the argument was over a racial slur.
The affidavit outlining the incident said the inmate told deputies “he and Green were arguing over the television in their unit. When the inmate attempted to change the channel, Green slapped him on the forearm.
“Deputies did watch video from jail security cameras showing the altercation,” court records stated. “It showed Green slap (the other inmate) when the inmate attempted to change the channel.”
Deputies spoke with Green, who admitted he slapped the inmate’s hand away from the television. The affidavit did not mention anything about Green telling deputies he was provoked when the inmate used a racial slur against him.
Green is in the county jail in lieu of a $2 million bond awaiting trial in the killing of Matthew “Murda” Banks, 28, inside a home at 1204 Jefferson St. Authorities said Banks’ killing is related to a dice game several hours earlier at Green’s home.
Banks died after being shot several times at his 1204 Jefferson St. home in the early morning hours of April 15. Investigators said Green shot Banks because he thought Banks stole about $1,000 from him in the dice game.
Green’s trial is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 11 in Des Moines County District Court.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Green faces a mandatory term of life in prison without parole.