Accident – Death – Obituary News :
On March 4, the preliminary hearing of two co-defendants concluded in DC Superior Court Judge Okun’s courtroom. Na’eem Butler, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania State University student, and Ashton Inabinet, a 16-year-old, are charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Diamonte Lewis that took place on Oct. 21, 2023, on the 900 block of U Street, NW.
Alleged Confrontation Leading to Tragic Incident
According to court documents, Butler and Inabinet were with a group of friends when they were confronted by Lewis and his friends. Allegedly, several arguments ensued as the groups moved down U Street. Surveillance footage captured the moment when Butler and Inabinet allegedly brandished firearms and fired shots at Lewis, resulting in his tragic death at the scene.
Legal Proceedings and Arguments
During the preliminary hearing, Butler’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, challenged a detective’s credibility regarding the case. Despite some discrepancies in the detective’s testimony, Judge Okun ruled that her credibility should not be questioned. The prosecution argued that Butler and Inabinet were the only ones who discharged firearms, escalating the altercation.
Self-Defense Claims and Judge’s Ruling
Gardner and Inabinet’s defense attorney, Stuart Sears, both argued that their clients acted in self-defense. After deliberation, Judge Okun found probable cause for second-degree murder while armed, citing that self-defense did not apply due to insufficient evidence that Lewis and his friend possessed firearms. However, he ordered the supervised release of both defendants with home confinement and GPS monitoring based on family support.
Next Steps in the Case
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 31 to further address the case. The incident that unfolded on U Street, NW, serves as a reminder of the consequences of violence and the complexities of legal proceedings in such cases.
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By
Audrey Staudacher
– March 5, 2024
Homicides
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Juveniles
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Shooting
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