Triple Homicide Defendant Denied Release as Flight Risk

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a conspiracy and homicide defendant’s request for release in a triple killing on Feb. 27, claiming he was too much of a flight risk.

Dionzai Parker, 21, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a shotgun or rifle outside a home or place of business for his alleged involvement in multiple shootings that occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

The incidents led to the deaths of 32-year-old Clayton Marshall on April 12, 2022, 16-year-old Justin Johnson on May 26, 2022, and 37-year-old Brice Djembissi on Feb. 25, 2023.

Parker was indicted on these charges Nov. 6, 2024, along with his four co-defendants, Derricko Johnson, 20, Ronald Henderson, 19, Daveon Robinson, 17, and Demarco Robinson, 20.

In court, Karen Minor, Parker’s attorney, requested that Parker be released under high intensity supervision, meaning he would undergo GPS monitoring, 24-hour home confinement, an amended living situation, and a curfew.

Minor argued that there is insufficient evidence linking Parker to the crimes. Even though it’s likely Parker’s DNA was recovered from a rifle at the scene of one of the crimes, Parker is absent in the group chats that the prosecution used to establish conspiracy; further, an individual said to be Parker is not seen on video at the shooting of Djembissi, and he has no prior criminal history.

The prosecution stated that Parker was found to be a flight risk and danger to the community in front of DC Superior Court Judge Meribeth Raffinin on Dec. 19, 2024. They showed evidence that Parker knew about his indictment and arraignment before he was arrested and still chose not to appear despite a bench warrant. They also showed evidence of Parker’s allegedly getting a truck as part of a plan to flee to Atlanta, Georgia.

Minor rebutted stating that Parker did not leave though he could have.

Judge Ryan stated that there was clear evidence of flight risk and that there is no “basis for securing release at this time.” Parker’s request for release was denied.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 14.