In a sobering development, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the extradition and arraignment of South Carolina man De’Ovryion Elijha Ray, 23, accused of the heinous murder of his 21-year-old ex-girlfriend, Dashanna Donovan, on September 12, 2025. According to the official release from the Queens District Attorney's Office, the defendant faces charges of second-degree murder and weapon possession.
Ray allegedly traveled from Virginia to Donovan's East Elmhurst home to commit the crime and hastily made to return back the same night. His apprehension came on October 7 in South Carolina where he faced unrelated charges and later contested extradition. A governor's warrant had to be obtained to bring Ray back to New York for his court proceedings. "This was a calculated, cold-blooded murder of a young woman who was running for her life when she was gunned down," Katz stated in the Queens District Attorney's Office's communication.
Upon his arraignment before Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant, Ray received orders to return to court on March 6. If convicted, the sentencing may extend up to 25 years to life in prison. The indictment details a frightening timeline where Donovan, upon spotting Ray approaching her residence, attempted to flee to safety before being fatally shot.
The investigation saw the collaborative effort of detectives from both the 115th Precinct's Detective Squad and Queens South Homicide Squad, alongside the Extraditions, Renditions & Property Release Services Unit of DA Katz' office. Assistant District Attorney Eric Weinstein, with help from Assistant District Attorney Caitlyn Muldoon and under the direction of higher-level DA supervisory staff, is tasked with prosecuting the case.
