Rayful Edmond III was a notorious drug trafficker in Washington, D.C. during the 1980s. He is widely recognized as the main figure responsible for introducing crack cocaine to the city, coinciding with the rise of the crack epidemic across the United States. This led to a significant increase in crime within D.C., earning it the grim title of "murder capital of the United States." Edmond's large-scale drug operation contributed substantially to the violence and social issues that plagued the city during that period.
Rayful Edmond was convicted of several federal violations including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, employing a minor, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and unlawful use of a communications facility.
Rayful Edmond III was born on November 26, 1964.
On April 15, 1989, at age 24, Edmond was arrested. His trial involved unprecedented security measures due to fears of gang reprisals. Jurors' identities were protected, the public was barred from the trial, and Edmond was flown in by helicopter daily from the Marine Corps Brig at Quantico.
On September 17, 1990, Edmond received multiple life sentences without parole for his various convictions.
In 1992, Edmond was allegedly involved in large-scale cocaine trafficking, buying from the Trujillo-Blanco brothers and selling to Washington area wholesalers. He was also known to have spent significant amounts of money at an exclusive Georgetown store, which was later implicated in money laundering. His organization was estimated to have made $300 million annually and committed 30 murders in one year.
In 1996, Edmond became a government informant, leading to the arrest of 11 drug dealers in Washington D.C. In return, prosecutors agreed to seek a reduced sentence for his mother.
In 1996, while incarcerated, Edmond continued his drug operations, connecting D.C. traffickers with Colombian suppliers. He was subsequently convicted and received an additional 30-year sentence, drawing criticism of the prison system's lax oversight.
In 2019, hearings began to consider reducing Edmond's life sentence based on his cooperation with authorities. A survey revealed that half of D.C. residents supported his release.
A memoir published in December 2020 revealed details of an encounter between Edmond and Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson. Thompson warned Edmond to cease contact with his players, but the meeting was reportedly respectful, with mutual agreement and respect.
In 2021, Judge Emmet G. Sullivan granted the government's request for Edmond's early release, despite his separate 30-year sentence.
On July 31, 2024, Edmond was transferred from prison to a halfway house in Kentucky or Tennessee.
Rayful Edmond III died in December 2024 from a heart attack at age 60.
Rayful Edmond III died of a heart attack on December 17, 2024, a few months after his release.
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