The jury found a murder defendant guilty of all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 15.
Jajuan Gripper, 22, 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 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.
According to an Aug. 15 release from the US Attorney’s Office, “After a brief exchange of words, Gripper and his [undisclosed] co-conspirators opened fire on Bradford as he ran away from them down a public street in the residential neighborhood. Gripper and his co-conspirators fired a total of at least 19 shots, striking Bradford once in the back of the head, killing him.”
During the trial, which began on Aug. 5, prosecutors argued that the murder was retaliation after Bradford took a gun from Gripper. Prosecutors said Gripper took a life over property, but Bradford did not deserve to die for that.
Gripper’s attorney, Wole Falodun called Gripper to the stand but the prosecution asserted that Gripper lied under oath in desperation.
Faldoun argued that Gripper acted in self-defense and took responsibility for shooting Bradford but had to protect his own life. Gripper testified that Bradford pointed a gun at him before he fired in self-defense.
Following less than two days of deliberations, a jury returned a guilty verdict and convicted Gripper of all charges.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 17.
