Defendants in a fatal shooting rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 29.
Ashton Inabinet, 18, and Na’eem Butler, 21, are charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Diamonte Lewis, 24, on Oct. 21, 2023, at the 900 block of U Street, NW.
Inabinet and Butler rejected the plea, which would have required the defendants to admit guilt to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for dismissal of all other charges. The full terms were not formally read in open court, as Judge Kravitz said the abbreviated version, “would make for a speedy hearing” since they’ve already reviewed and discussed the terms at the beginning of the year.
Butler’s defense attorney, David Knight, requested a modification of release, specifically taking away the curfew for the summer months, as Butler’s family attempted to make travel plans. Judge Kravitz explained he was unprepared to address the matter and instructed parties to coordinate with chambers for further release modification discussions.
A trial date was scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026.
Parties are slated to reconvene in the interim on Oct. 31, 2025.
