Jury Finds Man Guilty of Bias-Related Hate Crime for Murdering a Homeless Man

WASHINGTON - Gerald Brevard, III, 35, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today of bias-related hate crimes in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, on charges stemming from the murder of 54-year-old Morgan Holmes, a homeless man and attacks on two other homeless men, in March 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

"This defendant's deliberate and violent attacks on vulnerable members of our community represent a grave breach of public safety and basic human dignity," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Today's convictions affirms that such brutality will be met with a firm and decisive response."

Brevard was found guilty of 16 counts to include first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, mayhem while armed, and multiple firearm offenses. Brevard was also found guilty of bias-related hate crimes based on the victims perceived or actual homelessness. Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled sentencing for January 29, 2027.

According to the government's evidence, between March 3 and March 9, 2022, Brevard attacked three homeless men in Washington, D.C. On March 3, 2022, he shot the first victim, who was asleep under a bridge on New York Avenue, N.E. On March 8, 2022, again, while armed with a firearm, Brevard shot a second victim at his encampment on H Street, N.E. The victim suffered serious and permanent bodily injuries as a result of the six gunshot wounds to his head, chest, and body. Finally, on March 9, 2022, Brevard stabbed and shot the third victim who was lying in bed in his encampment on New York Avenue, N.E., resulting in his death. The defendant then set the victim's body and encampment on fire. All three men were homeless and living in Northeast, D.C. at the time they were attacked.

Brevard was arrested on March 15, 2022, and has been in custody since.

Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle D. Jackson and Sarah C. Santiago.

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