Richard Dyson, 58, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Donnella Bryan. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Bryan's body was found in a dumpster at Hechinger Mall in Northeast Washington, D.C.
Dyson pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of second-degree murder in Superior Court. According to evidence presented by the government, on April 15, 2025, Dyson killed Bryan at the Press House Apartments by striking her and suffocating her with a sock. Afterward, he purchased a large container from Home Depot and, with an accomplice's help, disposed of her body in a dumpster. Bryan’s body was discovered on April 19, 2025.
Law enforcement arrested Dyson on June 11, 2025. He has remained in custody since his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Pirro recognized those involved in the investigation and prosecution: "In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. She acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case form the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera, Victim/Witness Advocate Karina Hernandez."
She also noted: "Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Cocuzza, who investigated and prosecuted the case."
