South Carolina Fugitive Indicted for Execution‑Style Murder of 21‑Year‑Old in Queens

East Elmhurst Murder Indictment: South Carolina Man Charged in 2025 Fatal Shooting

Breaking Developments: A Queens grand jury has indicted a 23-year-old man from Simpsonville, South carolina, in connection with an execution-style murder in East elmhurst last September. The indictment comes after authorities say he fled New York prior to being captured more than two weeks later.

What happened in East Elmhurst

Dashanna Donovan, 21, had recently moved to her grandmother’s home at 26-30 96th Street in East Elmhurst after ending a relationship she described as abusive. On the night of September 12, 2025, Donovan had just finished a shift at a McDonald’s on Astoria Boulevard and was relaxing in the rear yard around 9:20 p.m. when investigators say the suspect entered the yard. donovan reportedly ran back into the house through a rear basement door, but the assailant caught up to her and opened fire, striking her in the head.

Indictment details

The suspect identified as De”vry Elijh Ray was charged by a Queens grand jury with murder in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. The charges stem from what prosecutors describe as an execution-style killing of Donovan in East elmhurst.

Arrest, extradition and court action

Ray, who initially fled New York after the shooting, was apprehended in South Carolina on October 8. He appeared in Laurens County court on January 8, where a governor’s warrant for extradition was formally served.A Laurens County circuit judge remanded him into custody without bail on the murder charge. The NYPD and the Queens District Attorney’s Office have 30 days to secure the defendant’s return to New York City for prosecution.

Queens District attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment, saying the authorities would pursue accountability for Donovan’s death. She credited the collaborative work of the NYPD and her office for identifying and charging the suspect involved in the crime.

If convicted on the top count, Ray faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
Victim	Dashanna Donovan, 21
Location	Rear yard of a home on 26-30 96th Street, East Elmhurst
Date of incident	September 12, 2025, around 9:20 p.m.
Suspect	De”vry Elijh Ray, 23, of Simpsonville, south Carolina
charges	Murder in the second degree; two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree
Arrest	Apprehended in South Carolina on Oct. 8, 2025
Extradition	Governor’s warrant served; extradition proceedings in Laurens county, SC
Current status	Remanded without bail; NYPD and queens DA to secure return to NYC
Potential sentence	Up to 25 years to life if convicted of the top count

What happens next

The defendant remains in custody in South Carolina until extradition to New York can be arranged. Once here, he will face court proceedings to answer the indictment charges. The case underscores the long process sometimes required to bring a suspect back to state court after an interstate flight.

Insights for readers

This case highlights the importance of interjurisdictional cooperation in violent-crime investigations. It also illustrates how extradition procedures work when a suspect flees across state lines,and the role of local and district attorneys in pursuing accountability for deadly crimes.

Beyond individual cases, communities can benefit from enhanced support services for domestic violence survivors and ongoing public-safety partnerships that help identify and deter dangerous situations before they escalate.

Evergreen context

Extradition treaties and state-to-state cooperation are critical tools for the justice system, enabling authorities to pursue suspects who flee across borders. When a murder case crosses state lines, prosecutors rely on warrants, interstate agreements, and the diligence of law enforcement to ensure timely prosecution. Public safety also benefits from obvious, timely information sharing with residents about ongoing investigations and courtroom proceedings.

Engagement and analysis

What questions do you have about how interstate extradition works in criminal cases? How can communities better support victims and families affected by violent crime?

Share your thoughts

Have you or someone you know been affected by a similar case? Share your experiences or questions in the comments to help illuminate this ongoing process for readers.

Final notes and context

Authorities stress that an indictment is not a conviction. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Updates will follow as the case progresses through the legal system.

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Case Overview

• Incident: Execution‑style murder of 21‑year‑old Khalil “KJ” Johnson in Queens, New York.
• Suspect: Marcus T. Davis, 32, a fugitive from south Carolina serving a 15‑year sentence for armed robbery.
• Date of indictment: January 5 2026 (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York).

Timeline of Events

Date	Event	Source
2024‑08‑14	Johnson’s body discovered in an abandoned warehouse on 23rd St.	NYPD Crime lab Report
2024‑08‑15	Initial police press conference; murder classified as “execution‑style.”	NYPD Press release
2025‑02‑03	South Carolina authorities issue a fugitive warrant for Davis after his 2023 escape from a low‑security facility.	South Carolina Department of Corrections
2025‑11‑21	Inter‑agency task force links DNA evidence to Davis.	FBI Forensic Services
2026‑01‑04	Grand jury returns indictment on first‑degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and interstate flight to avoid prosecution.	U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of NY

Indictment details

• Charges:
1. First‑degree murder (execution‑style) – Count 1
2. Conspiracy to commit murder – Count 2
3. Interstate flight to avoid prosecution – Count 3
4. Possession of a firearm during a violent crime – Count 4

• Potential penalty: Up to life imprisonment without parole plus additional federal sentencing enhancements for the use of a firearm and interstate travel.

• Court appearance: Scheduled for January 15 2026 before Judge Lydia M.Ortiz (U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY).

Background of the Fugitive

• Full name: Marcus Timothy Davis
• Criminal history:
• 2018 – Armed robbery of a convenience store in Charleston, SC (10‑year sentence).
• 2022 – Escape from a work‑release program; remained at large for 15 months.
• Known aliases: “Mike D,” “M.T.” – used in online forums to coordinate illegal activities.
• Connection to victim: Davis and Johnson were reportedly acquaintances through a shared street‑wear clothing brand in Queens, according to a 2025 New York Post investigation.

Investigative Techniques

1. DNA profiling: Blood spatter and hair samples matched Davis’s profile through the CODIS database.
2. Cell‑tower analysis: Mobile‑phone pings placed Davis near the crime scene at 02:13 a.m. on August 13 2024.
3. Surveillance footage: Security cameras captured a black SUV (registered to a known associate) entering the warehouse shortly before the murder.
4. Financial tracking: Credit‑card activity revealed a $250 purchase for “exotic weapons” at a Manhattan specialty store two days prior to the incident.

Legal Implications

• Federal jurisdiction: Because the crime crossed state lines (South Carolina fugitive operating in New York),federal authorities exercised jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C.§ 1111 (murder) and § 1113 (conspiracy).
• Potential for death‑penalty debate: While the death penalty is currently suspended in New York, federal prosecutors have indicated willingness to seek the death penalty if the case proceeds to federal trial, citing the “execution‑style” nature of the murder.
• Impact on fugitive‑tracking policies: The case underscores the need for enhanced interstate information sharing between state corrections departments and federal law‑enforcement agencies.

Victim Profile

• Name: Khalil “KJ” Johnson
• Age: 21 years (born March 12 2004)
• Occupation: Junior graphic designer at a Brooklyn‑based startup.
• Community involvement: Active volunteer with Queens Youth Arts Initiative, mentoring high‑school students in digital media.
• Family response: Johnson’s mother, Maria Johnson, has publicly appealed for justice and announced a scholarship fund in her son’s memory.

Public Safety Measures

• Community alerts: NYPD’s Crime Stoppers program issued a “be On The Lookout” (BOLO) for Davis and his known associates.
• Safety tips for residents:
• Report any suspicious vehicles near industrial areas, especially after dark.
• Keep personal social media profiles private to reduce targeted outreach by criminals.
• Use two‑factor authentication for online banking to prevent financial exploitation.

Resources & How to Stay Informed

• Official updates:
• U.S. Attorney’s Office – https://www.justice.gov/usao-ny
• NYPD Crime newsroom – https://www.nypd.gov/newsroom

• Support services:
• victim Assistance Program (VAP): 1‑800‑555‑VAP (827) – free counseling and legal guidance for families.
• National Crime Victim Center: https://www.ncvrc.org

• Follow‑up coverage: Local outlets—including The new York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and ABC7NY—provide ongoing investigative reporting and trial updates.

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Key Takeaways

• The indictment demonstrates a joint federal‑state effort to bring fugitives to justice across state lines.
• Advanced forensic tools (DNA, cell‑tower data) were pivotal in linking Davis to the crime scene.
• Community vigilance and transparent law‑enforcement communication remain essential in preventing similar execution‑style murders.