Fugitive facing murder charges for ‘execution-style’ shooting of ex-girlfriend in NY
De’Ovryion Elijha Ray, the fugitive accused of killing his ex-girlfriend Dashanna Donovan “execution-style” in Queens, has been indicted on murder charges, prosecutors announced. Ray, 23, has been in custody in South Carolina since October and will now face charges for allegedly ambushing Donovan, 21, in her East Elmhurst home.
The incident, in which Donovan was shot in the head as she tried to flee, left her mother, Helena Hypolite, devastated. She described Ray as an “animal” who should be “caged for the rest of his life.” Hypolite expressed mixed emotions upon hearing the news of Ray’s indictment, as it means having to relive the tragic events all over again.
According to Hypolite, the motive behind the heinous act was centered around control, obsession, and Ray’s inability to handle losing control when Donovan ended their relationship. New York prosecutors now have 30 days to bring Ray back to the city to face the charges, which also include criminal possession of a weapon.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed details of the incident, stating that video footage captured Donovan in a courtyard near her building before she was confronted by the gunman. Donovan recognized the perpetrator and attempted to run away, but he caught up to her in the basement and fatally shot her in the head.
Photographs obtained by authorities show the bullet holes left by Ray in the wall during the attack. Donovan had moved to New York six months prior to the incident to escape an abusive relationship with Ray. Hypolite believes that Ray intended to kill her daughter, citing previous brutal attacks in 2024 and 2025.
Despite the pain of losing her daughter, Hypolite expressed relief that Ray is no longer on the streets to harm anyone else. If convicted, Ray could face up to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of Donovan. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that the indictment was secured after Ray fled the state in an attempt to avoid accountability for the crime.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones as we seek justice,” Katz said in a statement. The pursuit of justice for Donovan continues as Ray awaits extradition to face the charges in New York City.
