Judge Rainey Brandt determined on March 17 that there is probable cause to charge Niwatilagu Anthony Long, 45, of Washington, D.C., with second-degree murder while armed for the shooting death of Melvin Saunders, a 44-year-old resident of the city. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case centers on an incident that took place in the early morning hours of December 19, 2025, at an apartment in the North Capitol Commons, John and Jill Ker Conway residence located in the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE. According to court documents, Long allegedly identified himself as a member of the “Crips” gang and accused Saunders of being affiliated with the “Bloods” before shooting him at close range in the left temple. Afterward, Long reportedly fled on foot and changed his appearance by discarding some clothing.
Long was arrested at D.C. Superior Court following a preliminary hearing related to a separate assault with a deadly weapon case involving another victim, Donald Cook. A status hearing for this matter is scheduled for October 9, 2026.
During the preliminary hearing regarding Saunders’ death, Judge Brandt ordered that Long remain held without bond and stated there were no conditions under which he could be released that would ensure community safety. Judge Brandt described the killing as a “close-range assassination” where Saunders was “shot point-blank” in the head.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marybeth Manfreda and Rashmika Nedungadi are prosecuting it.
Authorities remind the public that these charges are allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
