In the late morning of a summer day in Washington, D.C., a 36-year-old Black/African American woman named Mignon Renee Brown-Massey was inside a residence in the 3300 block of 15th Street, Northeast, when violence shattered the quiet of the neighborhood. On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at approximately 11:01 a.m., Metropolitan Police Department officers were dispatched to the location following a report of a shooting.
Upon their arrival, they discovered Mignon Brown-Massey unconscious but still breathing, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical personnel quickly transported her to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. The incident was immediately classified as a homicide, prompting an intensive investigation by the MPD's Homicide Branch. In the initial stages of the investigation, the police had not identified a suspect and offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
Described by her family as a victim of 'senseless violence,' Mignon was a hardworking mother to her 11-year-old son. She worked as a pet care provider and groomer during the day and as an Amazon delivery driver at night to support her family. Her sudden death left her family heartbroken and searching for answers.
The investigation into her death continued for several weeks. Then, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, a significant development occurred in the case. Members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested 32-year-old Darryn Bynum Jr. in Germantown, Maryland. He was subsequently transported to the Homicide Branch and charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed in connection with the fatal shooting of Mignon Brown-Massey.
