Judge Modifies Murder Codefendants’ Release Conditions

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun partially granted two codefendant’s motions to modify their release conditions during a June 7 hearing.

Ashton Inabinet, 17, and Na’eem Butler, 20, are charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Diamonte Lewis on Oct. 21, 2023, on the 900 block of U Street, NW.

Inabinet is charged as an adult under Title 16.

Kevann Gardner, Butler’s defense attorney, previously filed a motion requesting Judge Okun release Butler from the “home confinement condition and allow him to simply remain on GPS monitoring or, short of that, simply give him a nightly curfew.”

According to Gardner, Butler has been in home confinement for three months, and has “done very well,” at being compliant with his conditions. He requested the modification in order for Butler to attend aviation maintenance school in Virginia.

Likewise, Stuart Sears, Inabinet’s defense attorney, orally motioned for Judge Okun to release Inabinet from home confinement, and allow him to work full-time with his parents in an auto body shop in Maryland. He also requested for Inabinet to be allowed to go into his backyard while he remains at home.

Judge Okun expressed concern about his inability to use the backyard, arguing it counts as part of the house in home confinement.

“I am not a monster, they can go in the backyard,” said the prosecutor, adding “I would need a search warrant to get on it, he’s entitled to be on it.”

However, as for the modifications, the prosecutor argued “murder is the crime of all crimes,” and they are released to home confinement because it was the least restrictive condition for release.

She commended the defendants for wanting to put in the effort to move forward with their lives, but argued the supervision that Sears promises will be available by Inabinet’s parents was in place at the time of the incident.

Lewis’ mom addressed the court, and told Judge Okun “they should have no more privileges than they already do,” adding “my son isn’t here, but they are.”

“They should stay in their homes if they can’t be behind bars,” she argued, “that’s fair.”

“The current conditions are working,” the prosecutor insisted, adding “there is no returning to normal life after what happened.”

Despite the prosecutor’s arguments, Judge Okun granted Inabinet and Butler permission to attend their desired job and vocational training, but ordered they must be confirmed by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) prior to starting. They will be expected to remain in home confinement aside from their participation in the programs.

Parties are slated to return Oct. 4.