Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer and Waives Right to DNA Testing

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On April 12, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer and waived his right to DNA testing during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Jajuan Gripper, 21, 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 hearing, the prosecutor alerted the court that Gripper had rejected a plea offer. The offer, if accepted, would have resulted in Gripper being sentenced to 20-to-24 years of incarceration. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to waive sentence enhancements, reserve step backs for parole violations, and reserve allocution statements to impact sentencing.

Gripper’s attorney, Kevin Irving, said his client wanted to waive his right to further DNA testing, followed by the prosecution laying out the physical evidence that had been and could be tested in the future.

The evidence included the defendant’s DNA on shell casings, among other items, but the prosecution noted that no additional items had been tested. Ski masks, a jacket, and multiple handguns, were recovered as well.

Judge Okun ended the hearing by granting a continuance for the trial due to scheduling conflicts. A new trial was set for Aug. 4, 2025.

Parties are set to reconvene July 19.

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