Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WASHINGTON – Vernon Parrish, 41, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for first-degree murder while armed and related charges for the September 26, 2021 murder of his romantic rival, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
A jury returned guilty verdicts on July 9, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, for first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to the evidence, Parrish drove to the home of Ronald Bailey, in the 5200 block of E Street Southeast, Washington D.C., armed with a firearm. Parrish intended to kill Bailey because they were both involved in a romantic relationship with the same woman. Parrish sped down E Street, got out of his car in front of Mr. Bailey’s home, screamed for Mr. Bailey, and then fired multiple shots into Mr. Bailey’s house before fleeing the scene. Mr. Bailey was killed in the gunfire.
Parrish was arrested on October 6, 2021. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, 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. Attorney Daniel Bromwich, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Kimak and Alec Levy, who investigated and tried the case.