Anthony Niwatilagu Long, 45, 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 in the early morning hours of December 19, 2025, in Northeast Washington.
Long was taken into custody at the D.C. Superior Court following a preliminary hearing for a separate case involving an assault with a deadly weapon. In that case, he was charged with pistol whipping and stabbing another individual, Donald Cook, on January 3, 2026.
According to information provided by authorities, Long made his initial court appearance today before Magistrate Judge Dorsey G. Jones, II. The judge found probable cause for the second-degree murder charge and ordered Long held pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 20, 2026.
The affidavit supporting Long’s arrest states that on December 19, Saunders and several others were present in an apartment at North Capitol Commons on North Capitol Street NE. During this time, Long allegedly claimed to be affiliated with the “Crips” gang and accused Saunders of being associated with the “Bloods” before fatally shooting him. Afterward, Long reportedly left on foot and changed his appearance to avoid detection.
“This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marybeth Manfreda.”
Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro in announcing these developments.
“These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
