A murder defendant testified and parties delivered closing arguments during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 13.
Jajuan Gripper, 22, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.
During the final day of trial, defense attorney Wole Falodun called Gripper to testify. Gripper said that he did not know Bradford and admitted to killing him without intent. He recounted the events of the night of the shooting, saying he stopped by the apartment complex where the incident occurred to visit a freelance vendor called “candy lady” to buy cigarette rolling papers.
After making the purchase, Gripper said he went to the building’s basement to play video games, where Bradford, visibly intoxicated, approached and began talking to him. Gripper said he felt uncomfortable, and briefly went to the first floor, leaving his gun behind.
When he returned, Gripper said he noticed his gun was missing and saw Bradford leaving through the back door. He decided to follow Bradford and to see if he had the gun but didn’t get a response.
Gripper claimed that as Bradford quickened his pace, he reached into his pocket, and pointed a gun at the defendant which is when Gripper, armed with another gun, said he fired at Bradford in self-defense. Gripper added that he did not call 911 immediately because he was in a state of shock and fear.
During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned Gripper about two individuals seen with him at the time of the incident. They presented multiple social media posts and music videos featuring the defendant alongside the alleged co-conspirators who have not been charged in connection to the shooting.
Gripper denied knowing the two individuals or their names, stating that, despite being depicted with them several times, and though he is a frequent visitor, he doesn’t know everyone in the building.
Prosecutors then played video footage showing Gripper appearing to speak with two people in the hallway leading up to the shooting, before suddenly looking down the steps as if he heard something. They argued that this was the moment Gripper heard the words “what he took” and rushed downstairs. Gripper, however, denied speaking to anyone or hearing anything coming from the basement.
The prosecution also highlighted that after the shooting, Gripper and the two alleged co-conspirators had their hoods up. Gripper responded, “Putting my hood up is not a crime.”
When questioned about having a firearm in his hands as he followed Bradford out of the apartment, Gripper, visibly frustrated, said, “I feel like y’all trynna trick me or something.”
The prosecutor replied, “We just want you to answer the question.”
Prosecutors presented cell site analysis indicating that Gripper used his phone immediately following the shooting to call the mother of one of the alleged co-conspirators, claiming it was to warn her that police would be at her apartment. They also noted that Gripper had searched “unsolved homicides” and, in the weeks leading up to his arrest, repeatedly clicked on Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) headlines about Bradford.
Additionally, prosecutors stated that cell site analysis showed Gripper texting someone to try and exchange the jacket he was wearing but when he was denied, they said he went to his sister’s house at 6:30 a. m. and asked her to take the jacket. Cell site analysis also showed that Gripper texted several people after the shooting, suggesting that the best point of contact would be over FaceTime or audio calls, as prosecutors alleged he did not want anything recorded as proof of the shooting.
Gripper denied all of the claims, despite being shown T-Mobile records confirming that he had texted several people to allegedly cover his tracks.
During the redirect, Falodun asserted that Gripper would not have fired if Bradford had not pointed a gun at him, and Gripper agreed.
Following Gripper’s testimony, the prosecution began closing arguments, stating, “This man, Jajuan Gripper, gunned down and killed Rynell Bradford in the middle of the street…That’s why you’re here today.”
Prosecutors highlighted what they described as Gripper’s inconsistent testimony, alleging he lied throughout.
They say Gripper lied about his intentions since he is seen on video leaving the building with a gun, denied hearing anything from the basement despite video showing him reacting, falsely claimed he didn’t load the murder weapon despite DNA evidence on the casings, misrepresented trying to discard his jacket, and lied about making phone calls after the shooting.
Prosecutors also emphasized that jurors should consider what counts as reasonable provocation for self-defense. “You cannot murder someone to get your property back,” argued prosecutors and noted that the law allows only non-deadly force if property is being stolen.
Prosecutors stated that even if Gripper did not kill Bradford himself, aiding and abetting would still make him liable.
Finally, prosecutors noted that Gripper was the only witness claiming Bradford pulled out a gun and that Bradford was shot in the back of the head and replayed video showing him running down the street before suddenly collapsing, emphasizing that he was shot at nineteen times but appeared to collapse after the first shot.
Falodun emphasized Gripper never denied shooting the victim and took responsibility, but argued that, “He did what the law allows him to do: protect his own life.”
Falodun pointed to CCTV footage showing a gun flying across the street when Bradford was shot, asserting that this proves Bradford was ready to fire. Falodun asserted that if Bradford did not intend to shoot, he would kept the gun, not discarded it in the street.
During the prosecution’s rebuttal, they argued that Gripper lied under oath because he was desperate and had no other option, stating, “It’s not just the little things that Gripper lied about. The very first thing he said was a lie.”
The prosecution concluded by saying, “Jajuan Gripper took a life over a piece of property. Rynell Bradford did not deserve the death sentence.”
The court will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.
