Judge Finds Substantial Probability in Murder Case

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found substantial probability of guilt in a homicide case during an April 3 preliminary hearing.

Jajuan Gripper, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022. According to court documents, Bradford left his apartment to take out the trash when he got into a fatal altercation with three men in the building.

The lead homicide detective admitted that, due to a blind spot between surveillance cameras, there is no footage of an individual shooting the victim. However, a nearby camera captured him being shot and collapsing onto the sidewalk outside his apartment building.

The surveillance videos also captured three male suspects, one of whom was identified by a witness as Gripper.

The detective noted Gripper’s fingerprints were found on a soda can in the apartment building, his cellphone GPS placed him at the scene of the crime, and the alleged getaway car was registered under Gripper’s name.

Citing these finds, along with the surveillance footage, the prosecution pointed out the “exceptionally strong” evidence against Gripper.

Judge Raffinan agreed.

Defense attorney Kevin Irving asked for home confinement for his client, noting that Gripper has no prior convictions.

However, the prosecutor called his lack of prior convictions “misleading.” The prosecutor said Gripper has simply managed to avoid prosecution for his alleged prior crimes.

Judge Raffinan determined that the weight of the evidence, along with the nature and circumstances of the offense, weigh in favor of detention.

Gripper continues to be held at the DC jail.

A status hearing was scheduled for June 6.

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