First Degree Murder Charges Filed in 2023 Killing Near Catholic University

Thursday, May 30, 2024

WASHINGTON – Jaleil Jones, 19, of Washington, D.C., was charged by indictment, filed yesterday, for killing Robert Lavender, the manager of the BGR “Burgers Grilled Right” restaurant on July 17, 2023, near Catholic University in Northeast D.C.

            Jones was indicted by a grand jury in the District of Columbia on charges of conspiracy, first degree murder while armed (felony murder), robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

            According to the government’s evidence, on July 17, 2023, Jaleil Jones and another person came across Mr. Lavender on a bench on the 600 block of Monroe Street, Northeast, D.C.  Mr. Lavender was waiting for a ride home after work.  Jones and the other person agreed together to rob Mr. Lavender.  In the course of that robbery, Jones shot Mr. Lavender in the head.  

            The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alec Levy.

            An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.