WASHINGTON — A 16-year-old is facing murder charges after police say he shot and killed a man near a popular U Street intersection in October.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting was reported in the 900 block of U Street, Northwest shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. When officers arrived, they found wounded 24-year-old Diamonte Lewis who died at the scene.
Days later, MPD released video of the accused gunman, asking for the public's help in identifying him.
On Tuesday, Fairfax County Police located and arrested 16-year-old Ashton Inabinet, of Alexandria, Virginia in connection with Lewis' death. The teen has been charged as an adult with second-degree murder while armed.
Police have not released any information regarding a possible motive or what happened in the moments leading up to the deadly shooting. However, a witness interview covered in the court documents says that there was a fight leading up to the shooting.
According to court documents, MPD alleges that school officials had Fairfax County Police go to Inabinet's home to tell the teen he could no longer attend school while under investigation for Lewis's murder. This tipped Inabinet off to the investigation a week before MPD executed a search warrant at the teen's home, which they claim gave him time to get rid of evidence connected to the deadly shooting.
"This information provided the defendant approximately a week to remove evidence from the residence, such as clothing, 9mm semi-automatic pistol and/or 9mm ammunition of the same brand as used during the homicide," court documents read.
WUSA9 reached out to Fairfax County Police about the alleged tip-off, and received the following statement:
"MPD homicide detectives appeared at a Fairfax County high school on Tuesday, November 28, interacted with a School Resource Officer and stated their intention to eventually pursue criminal charges against a Fairfax County high school student for a recent firearm murder in their jurisdiction. MPD detectives had not yet obtained criminal charges. We delivered a letter authored by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid banning the student, a murder suspect, from school until we received further information. This is a preventive action we own and stand by. The Fairfax County Police Department has a duty and responsibility to protect our students."
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid also provided WUSA9 with a statement Wednesday night:
"The safety of our schools remains our top priority and we will always act swiftly to protect our students and staff. We continue to work collaboratively with Fairfax County Police, who are partners in this work, and we are in agreement with their statement."
During an event on Thursday morning, WUSA9 asked Dc's Chief of Police about the incident and the alleged tip-off. Here's what she said.
"That's still under investigation so I don't have a response to that. I'll let that play out but, clearly if there is a disparity in what you just mentioned having a real time crime center will help us button things up a lot better." Chief Pamela Anderson said.
According to D.C. crime stats, there have been 253 homicides reported in the District so far this year. That is a 32% increase when compared to the same time in 2022.
Anyone with information may contact detectives at (202) 727-9099 or text the department's tip lines at 50411.
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