Boyfriend of D.C. Officer Arrested 30 Years After Her Death

A Tragic Case Reopened After 30 Years

In a case that has haunted the family of Denna Campbell for three decades, a long-unsolved murder has taken a new turn. On September 13, 1995, Campbell, a police officer in Washington, D.C., reportedly told a coworker, “If I don’t show up for work Saturday, you’ll know he killed me and buried me somewhere.” She was speaking about her boyfriend at the time, who is now facing new charges in her killing.

The man, known then as Kenneth Wonsom but now named Amir Jalil Ali, was arrested this week for the second time in connection with Campbell’s death. In 1995, he was initially charged, but those charges were later dropped. Now, more than 30 years later, investigators have brought new evidence to light, leading to his arrest once again.

Campbell, who was 24 years old when she died, was found shot inside their Montgomery County apartment. According to court documents, she had expressed fear for her life in the days leading up to her death. She told a fellow officer that she believed her boyfriend might kill and bury her. She also shared her fears with other officers, stating that she had become so afraid of him that she started sleeping with her department-issued handgun under her pillow.

On the night of September 16, 1995, a neighbor reported hearing five gunshots from Campbell’s apartment. Another witness said they heard a loud male voice saying, “I told you not to do this to me.” It was during this time that Ali called the police, claiming someone had broken into the apartment and killed Campbell while he was away.

Ali's story did not hold up under scrutiny. According to court records, he claimed he was driving to a strip club in Washington, D.C., to retrieve a bicycle he left in the kitchen. However, the club’s manager stated it was closed at the time, and Ali, as a regular, would have known this.

New Charges and Legal Challenges

The recent charging document includes details that were not present in the original 1995 filing. While the prosecution claims this is a more thorough account, defense attorney Richard Finci argues that there is little new evidence. He pointed out that the DNA mentioned in the document is not described as conclusive proof linking Ali to the crime.

Finci also plans to challenge whether Ali’s right to a speedy trial has been violated due to the 30-year gap between the initial charges and the current ones. “These kinds of delays are always looked at in a speedy trial analysis,” he said.

The case against Ali is also based on statements made by Campbell before her death. She had told others that she was planning to end the relationship and move out of their shared apartment. During a part-time security shift at a McDonald’s, she was seen arguing on the phone with Ali. According to court filings, she said, “I’ve got to end this relationship,” after hanging up.

A Family's Grief and Search for Justice

Campbell’s family remembers her as a vibrant and outgoing person who dreamed of becoming a police officer. Her sister, Koli Williams, described her as someone who loved helping people and had a unique story to share every day. The family also recalled how Ali initially seemed joyful and even joined them on trips to amusement parks. However, over time, he became more distant and avoided spending time with Campbell’s family.

Campbell had planned to leave the relationship shortly before her death, according to Williams. “She was ending it,” she said.

Her father, Ernest Griffin, still feels the weight of the loss. “The only resolution will be that he has been convicted,” he said. Campbell’s mother, who passed away in recent years, never fully recovered from her daughter’s death. Her sister, Cynthia Brown, shared that she often saw her mother become emotional, saying, “Denna just ran across my mind.”

The Path Forward

Ali remains in jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on August 13. His legal team continues to maintain his innocence, while the family of Denna Campbell hopes for justice after nearly three decades of uncertainty. The case serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of violence and the enduring pursuit of truth.