Anthony Niwatilagu Long, a 45-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the shooting death of Melvin Saunders. The incident occurred on December 19, 2025, in Northeast Washington.
Long was taken into custody at the D.C. Superior Court following a preliminary hearing related to a separate assault case. In that earlier incident on January 3, 2026, Long allegedly pistol-whipped and stabbed another individual, Donald Cook.
According to information provided by authorities, Long made his initial court appearance today. Magistrate Judge Dorsey G. Jones, II determined there was probable cause for the murder charge and ordered Long held pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 20, 2026, before Judge Rainey Brandt.
An affidavit supporting Long’s arrest states that Saunders and several others were present at an apartment in the North Capitol Commons—John and Jill Ker Conway residence—when Long identified himself as a member of the “Crips” gang and accused Saunders of being affiliated with the “Bloods.” Authorities allege that Long then shot Saunders in the left temple before fleeing on foot and discarding clothing to avoid detection.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marybeth Manfreda is prosecuting it.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the charges alongside Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
“These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
