On Tuesday, a D.C. Superior Court judge found probable cause to charge 45-year-old Niwatilagu Anthony Long with second-degree murder while armed in the Dec. 19 killing of 44-year-old Melvin Saunders. Prosecutors say Saunders was shot inside an apartment in the 1000 block of North Capitol Street NE in the NoMa neighborhood. Long remains in custody while the case moves forward, with a status hearing already set for Oct. 9, 2026.
Judge Brands Shooting 'Close-Range Assassination'
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Judge Rainey Brandt described the killing as a "close-range assassination" and said Saunders was shot "point-blank" in the head. Brandt ordered that Long remain held after finding that no condition, or combination of conditions, could reasonably assure community safety. The decision was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
How Police Say the Deadly Night Unfolded
In a news release, the Metropolitan Police Department said officers responded around 2:37 a.m. on Dec. 19 to an apartment in the 1000 block of North Capitol Street NE, where they found a man unconscious. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene. MPD identified the victim as 44-year-old Melvin Saunders and said an arrest warrant led to Long's Jan. 8 arrest on a charge of second-degree murder while armed. The investigation is recorded under CCN 25190184.
Arrest Tied To Separate Violent Case
As reported by WJLA, Long was arrested at D.C. Superior Court after a preliminary hearing in a separate case accusing him of pistol-whipping and stabbing another man, Donald Cook, on Jan. 3. Court documents and the affidavit supporting the murder charge state that Long told people in the apartment he was a member of the "Crips" and accused Saunders of being a "Bloods" member before allegedly firing a shot into Saunders' left temple. Prosecutors say Long then left on foot and discarded clothing to change his appearance and avoid detection.
Legal Status And What Comes Next
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marybeth Manfreda and Rashmika Nedungadi are prosecuting the case. A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2026, and Judge Brandt has ordered that Long remain held pending trial following the preliminary hearing. The office emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Long is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Police Still Want Tips From Neighbors
The Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone with information, video, or eyewitness accounts to contact investigators and to reference CCN 25190184. The department's public contact line is (202) 727-9099. Authorities say the investigation remains active and are urging neighbors who know anything to come forward.
