WASHINGTON, D.C. – A D.C. jury delivered a guilty verdict today in the brutal execution of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford, gunned down in the Kenilworth neighborhood last year. Jajuan Gripper, 22, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty on all counts, including conspiracy to commit a crime of violence and first-degree premeditated murder while armed, in connection with the December 20, 2022, slaying.
The evidence presented painted a chilling picture of a calculated attack. According to prosecutors, Gripper, along with two as-yet-unnamed co-conspirators, stalked Bradford as he exited his apartment building, where he lived with his fiancé and infant daughter. At approximately 9:40 p.m., the trio confronted Bradford, and a brief exchange quickly escalated into a hail of gunfire. Bradford attempted to flee, but the attackers relentlessly pursued him down a public street.
A staggering 19 shots were fired, with one bullet finding its mark in the back of Bradford’s head, instantly ending his life. The scene, according to sources close to the investigation, was one of utter chaos and devastation. Gripper and his accomplices then fled the scene, leaving Bradford’s family and the Kenilworth community reeling from the senseless violence.
Gripper was taken into custody in March 2023 and has remained detained ever since. The swift arrest and subsequent conviction are being hailed by law enforcement as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against gun violence in the District. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the verdict, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the dedication of the investigators and prosecutors involved.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith joined in the announcement, commending the tireless work of the Homicide Branch detectives who painstakingly pieced together the evidence. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles R. Jones and Anthony Cocuzza skillfully prosecuted the case, securing the conviction after just one day of jury deliberation. The case underscores the prevalence of brazen violence plaguing some D.C. neighborhoods.
Judge Michael Ryan has scheduled Gripper’s sentencing for October 17, 2025. Given the severity of the charges and the premeditated nature of the murder, legal experts anticipate a lengthy prison sentence – likely life – for Gripper. The families of both Bradford and Gripper now face an uncertain future, forever marked by the events of that December night in Kenilworth.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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