Boyfriend Found Guilty by Jury of First-Degree Murder and Related Charges For Killing Romantic Rival Inside His Home in Southeast

            WASHINGTON – Vernon Parrish, 40, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder while armed and related charges stemming from a mid-afternoon shooting on September 26, 2021, outside a home in the 5200 block of E Street Southeast, Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            Parrish was found guilty by a jury on July 9, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The Honorable Anthony Epstein scheduled sentencing for October 11, 2024.

            According to the evidence, Parrish drove to the decedent’s home on September 26, 2021, armed with a firearm, to kill Ronald Bailey because they were both engaged in a romantic relationship with the same woman. Parrish sped into the block of E Street where the decedent lived. After bringing his car to a screeching halt, he got out of the car. Parrish screamed for the decedent and then fired multiple shots into the decedent’s house killing him. Parrish then fled the scene.

            Parrish was arrested on October 6, 2021.  He has been in custody ever since.

            In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.  They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the FBI Washington Field Office Cellular Analysis Survey Team. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Kimak and Alec Levy, who investigated, indicted, and prosecuted the case.