DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a “family affair” homicide on Jan. 14.
Clarence Jones, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Benjamin Mingo on March 27, 2025 on the 3800 block of 1st Street, SE.
Judge Brandt alerted the parties that she found probable cause for Jones’ participation in the incident, citing the lead detective’s testimony, as well as two defense investigators.
“This is a family affair,” Judge Brandt stated, reminding the parties that Mingo was Jones’ sister’s romantic partner at the time of the incident, and she, along with her 12-year-old son, were present during the shooting.
According to the detective and court documents, Jones allegedly shot Mingo due to accusations of domestic violence between Mingo and Jones’ sister. Their mom allegedly told officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that she found out about the assaults from another family member.
Judge Brandt stated Jones’ sister attempted to downplay the domestic violence to her mom, who was the only person she told about the assault. However, “her business was already out in the gossip mill,” which was unfortunate because she wanted it to remain private.
Judge Brandt ruled that the suspect vehicle, which was identified as a white Toyota Prius, which Jones rented, was connected to his alleged movements through surveillance footage.
According to Judge Brandt, the car was parked near the incident location multiple times throughout the investigation, including at the time of the shooting. Jones is alleged to have run back to it and fled the scene in the car.
She also argued that “whispers in the community” told MPD the shooter was related to the victim’s girlfriend, which corroborates with the victim and girlfriend not running away when a gun was pulled because they were approached by someone they knew and were comfortable with.
Judge Brandt raised several questions about the incident, including the fact that Mingo allegedly had a phone, drug paraphernalia, pills and $1,000 on his person at the time of the incident, but wasn’t robbed. “It makes you go hmm.”
As for the girlfriend not being shot, Judge Brandt stated “Why leave a witness? If you leave one victim in cold blood, why not two?”
“How do we know she [Mingo’s girlfriend] didn’t see [the shooter]. How does she know it wasn’t her brother? A lot was going on there,” Judge Brandt stated about the girlfriend allegedly only seeing the shooter’s eyes and not recognizing him. “It’s not every day folks see people gunned down in front of them.”
As for release, Judge Brandt stated that “killing someone with a gun is presumed to be dangerous by the law,” and “any time there is a loss of life, it is serious.”
She stated the nature and circumstances of the offense were severe, as “it appears that it was targeted. This was a killing in cold blood.” According to Judge Brandt, “[Mingo] never had a chance to defend himself.”
“Mr. Jones is going to remain detained,” Judge Brandt ruled.
Parties are slated to reconvene before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 24.
