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By
Isabelle Chiu [former]
- July 21, 2022
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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Vernon Parrish, 38, was arraigned on first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) found 53-year-old Ronald Bailey suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in his residence on the 5200 block of E Street, SE on Sept. 26, 2021. Bailey, who was still conscious at the scene, told the officers Parrish, his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, shot him before succumbing to his injuries an hour later.
Bailey’s girlfriend told MPD officers Parrish began making threatening statements toward the two after he became aware that Bailey was romantically involved with her eight months prior.
Parrish was also arraigned on assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly threatening the ex-girlfriend at gunpoint prior to Bailey’s shooting.
When interviewed by MPD officers, the ex-girlfriend told them Parrish is “crazy and a stalker.”
During the July 21 arraignment, defense attorney Billy Ponds entered a plea of not guilty on all counts on behalf of Parrish.
DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee scheduled an additional hearing on Sept. 23 to set a trial date and to discuss potential DNA testing.