Gerald Brevard, III, 35, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty of multiple bias-related hate crimes, including first-degree murder, in a case related to the violent attacks on homeless individuals in March 2022. The verdict was announced in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, following a trial that highlighted the brutal nature of Brevard’s actions against vulnerable members of the community.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro stated that Brevard’s “deliberate and violent attacks” represent a significant breach of public safety and human dignity. Brevard was convicted on 16 counts, which included charges of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault, and various firearm offenses. The court has scheduled sentencing for January 29, 2027.
Evidence presented during the trial detailed three attacks that occurred between March 3 and March 9, 2022. Brevard shot his first victim, who was sleeping under a bridge, and subsequently shot a second victim at an encampment, causing severe injuries. The final attack resulted in the murder of a homeless man, whose body Brevard set on fire after stabbing and shooting them. All victims were homeless and living in Northeast D.C. at the time of the attacks.
Brevard was arrested on March 15, 2022, shortly after the incidents and has remained in custody since that time. The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle D. Jackson and Sarah C. Santiago.
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