A defendant pleaded not guilty to fatally shooting a man who allegedly assaulted his sister at an Aug. 13 arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.
Clarence Jones, 33, is charged with first-degree premeditated muder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year. The charges stem from Jones’ alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Benjamin Mingo on March 27, 2025 on the 3800 block of 1st Street, SE. Mingo suffered two gunshot wounds to his chest.
Jones is charged with an additional count of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction that stemmed from his arrest on Oct. 23, 2025.
According to court documents, Mingo was Jones’ sister’s romantic partner at the time of the incident. The prosecution alleges the murder was retaliation for Mingo’s reported domestic violence against Jones’ sister.
At the hearing, the courtroom clerk arraigned Jones on the charges against him. Kevin Mosley, Jones’ attorney, entered into a plea of not guilty on his client’s behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested evidence in the case.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 11 for a status hearing.
