A man on the run, accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in a brutal manner in Queens, has been charged with murder, according to prosecutors. The victim’s mother harshly criticized him, describing him as an “animal” who deserves to be locked away for life.
DeOvrion Elijah Ray, 23, has been incarcerated in South Carolina since October. On Thursday, he learned he faces additional murder charges in New York related to the death of 21-year-old Dashanna Donovan.
Authorities allege that Ray shot Donovan in the head while fleeing his home in East Elmhurst last September.
The update was a mix of emotions for Donovan’s mother, Helena Hypolite. She expressed gratitude but also sadness about reliving painful memories. “I’m very happy, but I’m also sad because I have to relive this all over again,” she shared in a phone conversation.
Hypolite conveyed her assessment of the situation, suggesting Ray’s actions were driven by control and obsession after Donovan left him. “It was all about control… she left him and he was no longer in control,” she noted.
New York prosecutors have a timeframe of 30 days to extradite Ray back to the city. He also faces charges for illegally possessing a firearm.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney had previously mentioned that surveillance footage showed Donovan socializing in a courtyard when she noticed Ray with a gun approaching her. “Based on her reaction, it appears she knows who the perpetrator is,” Kenney said, adding that she attempted to escape and even lost her shoes in the process. Ultimately, she was caught and shot multiple times in the head.
Images seen by the newspaper reveal bullet holes from the shooting incident. Donovan had moved to New York just six months prior to the tragedy to live with relatives and distance herself from her abusive ex-husband.
Hypolite referred to past incidents of violence, stating, “My personal feeling is that he tried to kill my daughter.” She reiterated her disdain for Ray, stating that he is an animal who should be confined for life. “My daughter won’t come back, but at least he’s not out on the streets hurting or killing anyone,” she expressed.
If found guilty on the primary charge, Ray could face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz commented on the case, stating, “We allege that the defendant shot her in the head and fled out of state to avoid liability.” She extended her thoughts to Donovan’s loved ones in their search for justice.
