Trial For 4-Year-Old Murder Pushed to May 2026

Parties in a four-year-old murder case resolved to postpone the trial to May 2026 after disagreements between the defense and prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Aug. 13.

Joshua Allen, 35, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Delonte Johnson, 28, and non-life-threatening injuries to another person on June 11, 2021 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki informed Judge Park that she intended to file a motion to dismiss the indictment and was not ready to proceed to trial after the prosecution sent her the draft of a video exhibit. Kopecki said the video, which was a compilation of surveillance footage, had the wrong times stamps of the shooting.

Kopecki said the video “egregiously misrepresents” the events, reiterating her request to delay the trial.

She said the error prompted the defense team to review evidence for discovery again and they would not be ready for jury selection, which was scheduled for Aug. 14.

Allen’s trial was originally scheduled to begin in May 2024, according to court records, but has been continued several times since then due to readiness issues and delayed DNA testing reports.

The prosecution argued that the video at the center of Kopecki’s motion was a draft and labeled as such when it was sent to the defense. They said that the error would be corrected before being admitted into evidence.

Judge Park said he did not understand how this issue would affect the defense’s readiness and found no good cause to further postpone the trial, but was sympathetic toward Allen’s request to review evidence again in light of the timing error.

Due to scheduling conflicts of all parties, the trial was pushed to begin in May 2026.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 8.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Non-fatal Shooting in Northeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 24-year-old Nebiy Boreshe, of Silver Spring, MD, in connection with an assault that occurred on May 12 on the 1900 block of Bennett Place, NE.

Boreshe allegedly discharged a firearm at victims following a dispute, though no injuries were reported. He was apprehended on Aug. 12 and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (Gun).

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Non-fatal Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 29-year-old Martez Robinson, who was allegedly involved in a shooting incident on Jun. 6 on the 3400 block of 15th Street, SE.

Robinson is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (Gun) after allegedly brandishing a handgun at a victim inside a residence and firing towards an unknown group before fleeing the scene.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Shooting in Northeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 13 on the 3300 block of 15th Street, NE.

The victim, identified as 36-year-old Mignon Massey from Northeast, DC, was found with gunshot wounds and later pronounced dead at a hospital. The case remains under investigation.

Judge Finds Probable Cause, Won’t Release Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found probable cause and denied the release of a homicide defendant during a preliminary hearing on Aug. 14.

Charles Mitchell, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 55-year-old Clay Hargrave that occurred on July 26 at Georgina’s Players Lounge, a restaurant and cocktail lounge, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE. The incident also left one surviving victim with non-life-threatening injuries.

During a preliminary hearing of the evidence, the prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who described surveillance video of Mitchell’s entrance the lounge as “aggressive” and said the suspect allegedly started arguing with multiple people. The detective said that another witness heard Mitchell threaten to kill someone. Later in the video, the detective noted that the individual identified as Mitchell left the lounge and Hargrave is seen exiting behind him.

According to the detective, people witnessed a fight between Mitchell and Hargrave which led to Mitchell’s allegedly shooting Hargrave. While the video did not capture the shooting, at the end of the sequence, Hargrave was on the ground and Mitchell walked away.

The detective also said that the clothing in found in Mitchell’s car allegedly matched what the suspect was wearing during the incident.

Defense attorney Terrence Austin claimed Mitchell acted in self-defense. Austin noted that in the video, Mitchell left the establishment and was unaware that Hargrave followed behind him.

Finding probable cause, Judge Edelman noted the video footage in which Mitchell is apparently armed and threatening to shoot people.

Austin subsequently requested Mitchell’s release not his a father present for his family with a full time job.

Hargrave’s family was in court asked Judge Edelman not to release Mitchell under any circumstances. Hargrave’s daughter said Mitchell’s “lack of empathy is a danger to the community.”

Judge Edelman denied Mitchell’s release because Mitchell “walked in armed and shot an unarmed man.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 7.

Judge Has ‘No Joy’ in Detaining Teen Carjacking Co-Defendants

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe found probable cause to move ahead with the prosecution and denied release for two teen carjacking co-defendants on Aug. 8.

Dekhyri Greene, 17, and Denhym Boykins, 16, are charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Aug. 7 on the 1000 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE. Greene and Boykins are being charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

During Greene and Boykins’ preliminary hearing, the prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to the stand who recounted the incident. The detective said that according to the victim, three individuals approached the driver side of her vehicle, two holding firearms.

The victim told the detective she put her hands up and ran, leaving her two cellphones, keys, and personal belongings in the car. The victim was able to track down an MPD officer who responded to the scene.

An MPD helicopter tracked the stolen car using thermal technology 58 minutes after the incident occurred. Officers conducted a traffic stop before the vehicle crashed and MPD identified a person said to be Boykins inside the vehicle. Most of the victim’s belongings were missing from her car when police found it, including garbage bags full of clothing, a birth certificate, and a brown purse.

The detective interviewed the victim, who provided descriptions of the suspects. The victim described one as a black male and did not mention his clothing, skin tone or age. The detective said MPD later identified the suspect she described as a person said to be Boykins.

The victim said the second suspect was a black male who wore a black hoodie and a black ski mask and held a black handgun. MPD allegedly identified the suspect as Greene, and was located by a canine unit in an alley near the location of the crashed car.

The detective testified that he was present when the carjacking victim identified Greene and Boykins. The helicopter lost track of the third suspect, and the MPD detective confirmed that the first suspect, who according to the victim, never got off his Lime scooter.

Boykins’ defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, argued that no one knows what happened during the 58 minutes after the incident occurred when MPD couldn’t track the vehicle. Weletz asserted that people could have entered or exited the vehicle.

Weletz further argued that the victim provided limited details to identify Boykins because identifying a suspect as a black male is very broad. Weletz added that the detective described Boykins as wearing a COVID mask and Nike hat with a “big swoosh” during his interview at the police station, and the victim didn’t include these details.

Weletz also said there is no evidence Boykins had a weapon on him, despite one being recovered from the vehicle.

Greene’s attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, added that none of the items stolen from the victim’s vehicle were recovered and Govindaraji agreed with Weletz that the 58 minutes that lapsed when police could not find the vehicle could have included different suspects.

Govindaraju further argued that Greene had no gun and was found blocks away from where the car crashed. She said the victim’s general description did not include anything distinctive about Greene, and the victim’s two-to-three minute pause before identifying Greene makes it a “highly suggestive ID.”

Judge Pipe found probable cause, however, explaining that the suspects were located in and near the stolen vehicle and the victim identified both Green and Boykins twice. The judge noted that the stolen items from the vehicle not being recovered doesn’t negate probable cause.

Following the probable cause finding, the prosecution argued to hold Greene and Boykins, saying that the incident details are “terrifying.” The prosecution added that the juvenile curfew in DC is 11 p. m., and the defendants were in allegedly out after 1 a. m..

Weletz argued for Boykins’ because of questionable identification. She said there are conditions of release that can ensure the safety of the community, like GPS monitoring and home confinement except for school.

Weletz further argued that Boykins has no criminal history, is going into his junior year of high school, and is on the junior varsity football team. She said he received an individualized education program in school and will get a better education in the community than in jail.

Judge Pipe ruled to detain Boykins because the crime is of “exceptional concern.” She reiterated that there are two positive identifications with some specificity and the car was found within the hour it was stolen.

Govindaraju also argued to release Greene with GPS monitoring because he starts his senior year soon and is quarterback of his football team. She said being out past the curfew was “abnormal”and out of character for Greene.

“It brings me no joy to see someone who clearly has so much promise to be sitting in the seat he is right now and with the charges he has right now,” Judge Pipe said about Greene.

Judge Pipe cited the same reasons for Boykins’ continued detention, and said although the weight of the evidence may not lead to a conviction, there is some specificity.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 18.

Prosecutors Get More Time to Show Murder Defendant is Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied a defense attorney’s request to rule a homicide defendant incompetent to stand trial and granted prosecutors more time to evaluate the defendant’s competency during a hearing on Aug. 11.

Jafekka Harris, 33, is charged with second-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 79-year-old Bettie Duke on the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Oct. 5, 2024.

According to court records, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Harris incompetent three times this year, but said each time that she was likely to attain competence in the foreseeable future. After each competency finding, a judge ordered inpatient competency restoration treatment for Harris at Saint Elizabeths Hospital for psychiatric patients.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt denied a request by Harris’ attorney Kevin Mosley to deem Harris incompetent to stand trial at this time.

The prosecution requested their own expert evaluate Harris’ competency and asked for 60 days to allow DBH to submit additional information about the defendant.

Judge Brandt granted prosecutors a 30 day extension to probe Harris’ competency but said she will rule on the matter at the next hearing regardless of whether DBH provides more information or not.

Judge Brandt also made it clear to parties where she was leading toward incompetence based on medical information already submitted. Harris can’t stand trial unless she can understand the charges against her and help her attorney.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11 for another mental observation hearing.

Judge Orders Mental Competency Exam For Silent Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover granted a defense request to evaluate a shooting defendant’s mental competency after he refused to speak during a hearing on Aug. 12.

Roasu Johnson, 35, is charged with endangerment with a firearm in a public place, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 900 block of Kennedy Street, NW on Aug. 6. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents Johnson allegedly fired multiple shots in the air and when a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer approached Johnson, he ran into the “Groceries & Tobacco” store. The officer reportedly then heard a loud bang that sounded like a gunshot and asked Johnson multiple times to exit the store before he eventually came out.

During the scheduled preliminary hearing, Johnson chose to not speak, but his defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested a mental competency exam. The prosecution raised no objections.

Judge Glover granted the mental competency exam and delayed the preliminary hearing until Johnson’s competency is determined. Johnson can’t stand trial unless he has at least enough mental ability to understand the charges against him and work with his lawyer.

Parties are slated for a mental observation hearing on Aug. 20.

Shattered Family Grieves, Cries For Justice at Murderer’s Sentencing

In a courtroom awash with emotion, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a murder defendant for killing his girlfriend to 24 years in prison on Aug. 8.

Mario Banegas Deras, 43, pleaded guilty on April 15 to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the brutal killing of 35-year-old Maria Magdalena Ayala Guardado, on Dec. 15, 2024 on the 700 block of Girard Street, NW.

When officers arrived, they found both individuals and the scene covered in hair and blood as well as a brick covered in blood and a knife in the woman’s neck. The medical examiner concluded there were multiple causes to the homicide, including strangulation.

At the sentencing, family and community members of Ayala Guardado flooded the courtroom, all wearing T-shirts with “JUSTICIA” written beneath her photo. Although t-shirts are not typically allowed during sentencing hearings, the family obtained special permission from Judge Ryan.

Banegas Deras and Ayala Guardado met in Honduras and moved to the United States together in 2015, according to their son, who spoke during the sentencing. While they were never formally married, the couple had three children and lived together until a week before the murder.

Prosecutors requested Judge Ryan sentence Banegas Deras to 24 years of incarceration. They said Ayala Guardado kicked Banegas Deras out of the apartment they shared following a violent incident. About a week later, he returned to the apartment the morning of the murder, waited for her to come out, then brutally murdered her. Banegas Deras called 911 on himself, according to court documents.

Their daughter, 13 at the time of the murder, told Judge Ryan that Banegas Deras had always been abusive to her mother. She spoke through tears, her 18-year-old brother by her side.

“We have to grow up without her watching us get older,” their daughter said. “If the decision were in my hands, I would give him life.”

The daughter and her brother both told the court that they would try to call the police on Banegas Deras when he became physically violent toward Ayala Guardado, but he would threaten suicide or say that immigration would take Ayala Guardado away if they called.

“I got tired of seeing her being abused,” said the son describing his mother as a “bright light.”

One of Ayala Guardado’s older sisters gave a statement to the court through an interpreter. She remembered her sister fondly, calling Ayala Guardado the “life force of her home.”

“My sister can’t speak today, but I can – and my voice is clamoring for justice,” Ayala Guardado’s sister said emphatically.

A woman involved in Angeles Guerreros, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence and their families, has worked with the Ayala Guardado family – both in the United States and Honduras – since the murder. She became emotional describing the profound impact Ayala Guardado’s story has had on her.

“I saw Magdalena and my life has changed since that day,” she said. “All I ask is for justice, said the organization’s representative.

Ayala Guardado’s mother and oldest sister were also present on Webex and gave statements. They both asked for the maximum penalty.

“This murderer doesn’t deserve to ever be free again,” Ayala Guardado’s sister said.

Defense attorney, Terrence Austin, began his argument with a powerpoint slide simply saying, “Mario Banegas is not a monster.” Gasps were heard from the gallery.

Austin asked Judge Ryan to look at Banegas Deras as a complete person and sentence him at the bottom of the guidelines, which recommended 12-to-24 years of incarceration.

“Nobody should be reduced to the worst thing they’ve done,” Austin said.

Austin recounted the difficult life Banegas Deras has endured. He lost his father at a young age to alcoholism, grew up in extreme poverty in Honduras, was not able to continue his education past sixth grade, and worked in factories and fields since he was very young. Austin also said that those who know Banegas Deras describe him as good, hard-working, and kind.

Austin noted that Banegas Deras has been working on himself, taking courses on stress management in prison, and getting baptized. He also argued that he has shown great remorse for his actions, pleading guilty as soon as he could and crying at every meeting.

“He hasn’t cried for himself, he has cried for the pain he has caused,” Austin said.

Banegas Deras himself addressed the court. “I am guilty and I do deserve the full force of the law,” he said. “I know my remorse is not even enough.”

Judge Ryan explained that he almost always abides by the sentencing guidelines to ensure fairness. However, he also said that the heinousness of the murder and the tremendous impact of Ayala Guardado’s murder led him to impose a sentence at the top of the guidelines.

Banegas Deras was sentenced to 24 years in prison with five years of supervised release, during which he will be required to attend mental health treatment.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Defendant Takes Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal on Aug. 12 during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Kevin Jackson, 58, was originally charged with endangerment with a firearm in a public place, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his involvement in a shooting that took place at the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE on Dec. 1, 2024. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Jackson’s attorney, Emily Suffrin, informed Judge Hertzfeld that Jackson accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors. Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year and one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm.

In exchange, the prosecution will dismiss the four remaining charges and agree to seek a sentence at the bottom third of the sentencing guidelines. The unlawful possession charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years of incarceration and the unlawful discharge carries a maximum sentence of two years. Jackson is also required to register as a gun offender in DC.

Sufrin told the court she believes Jackson made a “thoughtful decision” to take responsibility for his actions and that he is ready to “accept the consequences and move forward” with everything.

Judge Hertzfeld accepted Jackson’s guilty plea as knowing and voluntary and gave Jackson credit for taking responsibility but will provide more perspective at sentencing

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 13 for sentencing.

Judge Orders Competency Evaluation For Murder Defendant

A murder defendant was ordered to undergo a mental competency exam before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Aug. 12.

Cory Heard, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that resulted in the death of 35-year-old Rodney Snead. The shooting occurred on Nov. 20, 2023, on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.

During the hearing, defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins discussed several issues related to Heard’s competency under seal. Judge Edelman ultimately ordered the defendant to receive a mental competency exam. In order to stand trial, a defendant must understand his charges and be able to work with his lawyer to build a defense.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 15 for a mental observation hearing.

Document: Police Seek Suspect in 7th Street Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a stabbing on Aug. 7 on the 1100 block of 7th Street, NW.

The suspect fled after stabbing the victim during a physical altercation, leaving the victim with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was captured on surveillance video, and the MPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a stabbing on Aug. 7 in the 1100 block of 7th Street, Northwest. The suspect fled after stabbing the victim during a physical altercation, leaving the victim with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was captured on surveillance video, and the MPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Judge Denies Multi-Carjacking Defendant’s Release After Waiving Prelim

A defendant charged with three DC carjackings waived his right to a preliminary hearing and was denied release before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on Aug. 12.

Mark Edwards, 18, is charged with unarmed carjacking and robbery for his alleged involvement in an attempted carjacking and robbery on May 22 and a carjacking on May 28 both on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NW. In addition, Edwards is accused of a carjacking on May 27 at the Union Station Parking Garage on the 100 block of H Street, NE. Edwards was also allegedly involved in an armed robbery on May 23 in Hyattsville, MD.

Following Edwards’ waiver of his preliminary hearing of the evidence in the case, defense attorney Russell Hairston asked for Edwards’ release and said that he had the support of his mother, brother, and cousin.

The prosecution was opposed due to the serious nature of the charges. They noted that it was not one incident, but Edwards is accused of multiple carjackings.

Judge Glover accepted Edwards’ waiver but denied his release because of the seriousness of the charges. The judge noted that there was surveillance video evidence that allegedly identified Edwards as the suspect.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 4.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Prelim, Detained by Judge

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release on Aug. 8 after he waived his preliminary hearing.

Carlos Blount, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related non-fatal stabbing on July 31 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court documents, after the victim ended her relationship with Blount, he allegedly harassed her on multiple occasions. At the time of the incident, Blount reportedly approached the victim, attempted to grab her phone, and a struggle ensued in which he allegedly stabbed her causing injuries to her back and buttocks.

Following Blount’s waiver of his preliminary hearing, Blount’s defense attorney, T Gail Maddox-Levine, requested he be released on GPS monitoring, curfew restrictions, and drug testing conditions. Maddox-Levine noted Blount’s “serious” medical needs. She said Blount was recently shot and is currently on crutches, arguing that he needs proper medical care.

The prosecution argued Blount should not be released because he is a danger to the community. The prosecution outlined the incident in which he allegedly stabbed the victim in broad daylight resulting in injuries that required 29 stitches.

The prosecution also noted Blount’s criminal history, which includes two pending cases, two outstanding bench warrants, and 15 executed bench warrants since 2019. The prosecution said this was not the first instance in which Blount was accused of assault.

Judge Glover accepted Blount’s waiver of his preliminary hearing but said he finds the nature of Blount’s alleged offense “troubling,” and kept him in jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 26.

‘Putting My Hood Up Is Not a Crime,’ Murder Defendant Testifies

A murder defendant testified and parties delivered closing arguments during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 13.

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 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 final day of trial, defense attorney Wole Falodun called Gripper to testify. Gripper said that he did not know Bradford and admitted to killing him without intent. He recounted the events of the night of the shooting, saying he stopped by the apartment complex where the incident occurred to visit a freelance vendor called “candy lady” to buy cigarette rolling papers.

After making the purchase, Gripper said he went to the building’s basement to play video games, where Bradford, visibly intoxicated, approached and began talking to him. Gripper said he felt uncomfortable, and briefly went to the first floor, leaving his gun behind.

When he returned, Gripper said he noticed his gun was missing and saw Bradford leaving through the back door. He decided to follow Bradford and to see if he had the gun but didn’t get a response.

Gripper claimed that as Bradford quickened his pace, he reached into his pocket, and pointed a gun at the defendant which is when Gripper, armed with another gun, said he fired at Bradford in self-defense. Gripper added that he did not call 911 immediately because he was in a state of shock and fear.

During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned Gripper about two individuals seen with him at the time of the incident. They presented multiple social media posts and music videos featuring the defendant alongside the alleged co-conspirators who have not been charged in connection to the shooting.

Gripper denied knowing the two individuals or their names, stating that, despite being depicted with them several times, and though he is a frequent visitor, he doesn’t know everyone in the building.

Prosecutors then played video footage showing Gripper appearing to speak with two people in the hallway leading up to the shooting, before suddenly looking down the steps as if he heard something. They argued that this was the moment Gripper heard the words “what he took” and rushed downstairs. Gripper, however, denied speaking to anyone or hearing anything coming from the basement.

The prosecution also highlighted that after the shooting, Gripper and the two alleged co-conspirators had their hoods up. Gripper responded, “Putting my hood up is not a crime.”

When questioned about having a firearm in his hands as he followed Bradford out of the apartment, Gripper, visibly frustrated, said, “I feel like y’all trynna trick me or something.”

The prosecutor replied, “We just want you to answer the question.”

Prosecutors presented cell site analysis indicating that Gripper used his phone immediately following the shooting to call the mother of one of the alleged co-conspirators, claiming it was to warn her that police would be at her apartment. They also noted that Gripper had searched “unsolved homicides” and, in the weeks leading up to his arrest, repeatedly clicked on Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) headlines about Bradford.

Additionally, prosecutors stated that cell site analysis showed Gripper texting someone to try and exchange the jacket he was wearing but when he was denied, they said he went to his sister’s house at 6:30 a. m. and asked her to take the jacket. Cell site analysis also showed that Gripper texted several people after the shooting, suggesting that the best point of contact would be over FaceTime or audio calls, as prosecutors alleged he did not want anything recorded as proof of the shooting.

Gripper denied all of the claims, despite being shown T-Mobile records confirming that he had texted several people to allegedly cover his tracks.

During the redirect, Falodun asserted that Gripper would not have fired if Bradford had not pointed a gun at him, and Gripper agreed.

Following Gripper’s testimony, the prosecution began closing arguments, stating, “This man, Jajuan Gripper, gunned down and killed Rynell Bradford in the middle of the street…That’s why you’re here today.”

Prosecutors highlighted what they described as Gripper’s inconsistent testimony, alleging he lied throughout.

They say Gripper lied about his intentions since he is seen on video leaving the building with a gun, denied hearing anything from the basement despite video showing him reacting, falsely claimed he didn’t load the murder weapon despite DNA evidence on the casings, misrepresented trying to discard his jacket, and lied about making phone calls after the shooting.

Prosecutors also emphasized that jurors should consider what counts as reasonable provocation for self-defense. “You cannot murder someone to get your property back,” argued prosecutors and noted that the law allows only non-deadly force if property is being stolen.

Prosecutors stated that even if Gripper did not kill Bradford himself, aiding and abetting would still make him liable.

Finally, prosecutors noted that Gripper was the only witness claiming Bradford pulled out a gun and that Bradford was shot in the back of the head and replayed video showing him running down the street before suddenly collapsing, emphasizing that he was shot at nineteen times but appeared to collapse after the first shot.

Falodun emphasized Gripper never denied shooting the victim and took responsibility, but argued that, “He did what the law allows him to do: protect his own life.”

Falodun pointed to CCTV footage showing a gun flying across the street when Bradford was shot, asserting that this proves Bradford was ready to fire. Falodun asserted that if Bradford did not intend to shoot, he would kept the gun, not discarded it in the street.

During the prosecution’s rebuttal, they argued that Gripper lied under oath because he was desperate and had no other option, stating, “It’s not just the little things that Gripper lied about. The very first thing he said was a lie.”

The prosecution concluded by saying, “Jajuan Gripper took a life over a piece of property. Rynell Bradford did not deserve the death sentence.”

The court will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

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