A Saline County judge has ordered 41-year-old Justin D. Maloney of Raleigh to remain in custody pending trial, following a lengthy detention hearing Thursday in Saline County Court.
Prosecutors argued during the hearing that Maloney poses “a real and present threat” to the community. The hearing featured live witness testimony, cross-examination by the defense, and arguments from both sides.
In issuing the ruling, the judge found that the state met its burden “by clear and convincing evidence,” determining there were no conditions of pretrial release that would adequately lessen the danger Maloney poses to the community.
Key factors cited in the court’s decision included the “assaultive nature” of the incident, a six-second lapse between gunshots fired, statements allegedly made by Maloney prior to the shooting, and allegations that the 16-year-old victim, Nathaniel Potts of Eldorado, was attempting to flee the encounter. The court also considered Maloney’s interview with investigators, during which he later recanted portions of his statement, and records indicating that Maloney allegedly declared an intent to “put pellets into” the victim.
During the hearing, court records show that a member of the public, identified as Morisa Rogers, was escorted out after what the court described as an “inappropriate outburst.” Rogers was subsequently admonished and barred from attending future in-person proceedings in the case.
Maloney is charged with three counts of First Degree Murder in connection with the death of Potts. He remains lodged in the Saline County Jail as he awaits trial.