Full Breakdown
South Carolina Fugitive Charged with Execution-Style Murder of Ex-Girlfriend in Queens
1/16/2026, 12:19:11 PM
Overview of the Incident
De’Ovryion Elijha Ray, a 23-year-old fugitive from South Carolina, has been charged with the execution-style murder of his ex-girlfriend, Dashanna Donovan, 21, at her home in East Elmhurst, Queens, on September 12, 2025. Ray was extradited to New York after being arrested in South Carolina on an unrelated assault charge. He was arraigned on January 15, 2026, where he pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant ordered him held without bail.
Details of the Crime
According to prosecutors, Ray traveled from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to New York City on the day of the murder. He approached Donovan while she was in her backyard, and after she recognized him, she attempted to flee into her home. Ray allegedly followed her inside and shot her multiple times, resulting in fatal injuries. Police found Donovan lying near the bathroom door, having suffered gunshot wounds to her head and torso. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Background Context
Dashanna Donovan had relocated to New York approximately six months prior to escape an abusive relationship with Ray. The two had previously worked together at Walmart in South Carolina. Following her move, Donovan began living with her grandmother and was employed at McDonald's. Ray's alleged motive for the murder appears to stem from anger over Donovan's departure from their relationship.
Official Statements
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz characterized the incident as a "calculated, cold-blooded murder" of a young woman who was "running for her life." Katz emphasized the collaborative efforts between her office and South Carolina officials to ensure Ray's extradition to face the charges in New York. She expressed condolences to Donovan's family, stating, "Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones as we seek justice."
Eyewitness Accounts and Reactions
During the court proceedings, Donovan's mother, Helena Hypolite, expressed her anger and grief, stating that Ray showed "no remorse" during the arraignment. She described a moment when Ray exchanged glances with her, which she interpreted as a taunt. Hypolite's emotional response highlights the profound impact of the tragedy on Donovan's family.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Ray is scheduled to return to court on March 6, 2026. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The case has drawn attention due to its domestic violence context and the tragic circumstances surrounding Donovan's death.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the details surrounding the murder are largely consistent across sources, there is a lack of information regarding Ray's actions immediately following the murder, aside from his flight to Virginia Beach. Further investigation may clarify the timeline and circumstances leading up to the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was a calculated, cold-blooded murder of a young woman who was running for her life when she was gunned down,” — Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney
- “He showed no remorse, nothing. It just had me boiling, profusely angry,” — Helena Hypolite, Mother of Dashanna Donovan
