Bench Warrant Issued for Missing Homicide Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan issued an arrest warrant on Jan. 30 for a homicide defendant whose whereabouts are unknown.

Jahi Rapp, 21, and Amarii Fontanelle, 21, are charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-olds Reginald Cooper Jr. and Davonte Berkley and injury of another individual in an apartment building on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Oct. 17, 2022.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan stated that Fontanelle’s GPS monitoring device expired on Jan. 8 after receiving a tamper alert from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). It has now been over 20 days since Fontanelle’s whereabouts were determined, according to Judge Ryan.

Judge Ryan declared that Fontanelle has completely failed wearing the GPS monitor condition of his release, and issued an arrest warrant with no bond.

Rapp was present in court and according to PSA, has been compliant with all pretrial conditions.

Judge Ryan refused to set motion hearings due to Fontanelle’s absence. Parties agreed however, to set a trial date of Nov. 9, 2026.

A status hearing was also scheduled for June 6. In the event that Fontanelle is not located by then – discussion of severance, or separating the defendants’ cases, will take place.