Thirty-year-old Ramona Gray pleaded guilty today in D.C. Superior Court to killing a woman whom she believed was in a relationship with the father of her children.
“I think about what I did every day,” Gray said after entering her plea. “I think about her and her son.”
Shemese Grant, 31, was killed Aug. 31 in a parking lot in the 1700 block of Good Hope Road in Southeast D.C. An autopsy on Grant revealed 18 stab wounds to her neck, torso and extremities, according to the government’s proffer of evidence Friday. Witnesses described the murder weapon as a long knife, with a blade of at least 7 inches.
Gray said Friday that the government’s account, that she spotted Grant’s car in the Good Hope Road SE parking lot, waited inside a local shop for Grant to appear, then, when Grant’s back was turned, attacked her, stabbed her multiple times, then fled the scene in a friend’s car, is true and accurate.
“I just want to say I’m sorry to the Grant family,” Gray said. “I’m sorry for taking away a loved one.”
Gray was arrested Sept. 1, 2010 on a first-degree murder charge in the case. By pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed, her prison time is reduced to an estimated 22 to 26 years. She is due in court again April 8 for sentencing.
Charging documents in the case are here. Remaining documents in the case, including the government’s proffer, will be posted when they become available.
