Judge Finds Probable Cause a Defendant Was Connected to a Robbery, Killing

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

On Aug. 22, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that a defendant allegedly committed homicide during a robbery at the victim’s apartment.

Correy Ray, 45, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the killing of 20-year-old Marjai Wimbush during a robbery on Dec. 4, 2022 at the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. Wimbush died from a single gunshot wound to the left side of his chest.

According to court documents, there were signs of a struggle in Wimbush’s apartment. There was blood on the wall, a TV knocked over, and shoeboxes tossed in disarray, and one of the witnesses found Wimbush deceased and slumped over in a corner.

According to court documents, the first witness was “hanging out” with Wimbush in his apartment when Ray allegedly broke in to rob him. The witness managed to escape and found a second witness to call for help. The homicide allegedly occurred between the time the witness ran away to find help and when other witnesses found Wimbush dead.

Defense attorney Molly Bunke questioned the lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) homicide branch about the first witness’ recollections of the crime during seven different interviews with MPD.

According to the detective, the witness had told him the suspect was bald and had facial hair, even though she also said the suspect was wearing a ski mask that covered everything but part of his face and nose.

Bunke asked Epstein to find there was no probable cause to link Ray to the crime because there was no tangible or forensic evidence. In fact, Bunke said there was probable cause to believe a third party committed the crime instead.

Epstein said there was no evidence this shooting was in self defense and nothing indicating a third party committed the crime. He said he found probable cause Ray killed Wimbush, in part, because a red car allegedly linked to Ray was seen arriving at Wimbush’s apartment building before the shooting and leaving shortly after.

Bunke said there was no way to tie the car back to Ray because the detectives did not have a license plate or the make and model.

Parties will return on Nov. 17 to make arguments about Ray’s release.

Follow this case