17-Year-Old Nigerian Charged with Alleged Murder of 38-Year-Old Man in US
A 17-year-old Nigerian boy, Emmanuel Awobiyi, has been charged with the alleged murder of a 38-year-old man, William E. Deaton II, on the northwest side of Indianapolis, United States.
According to authorities, Awobiyi, a resident of Indianapolis, appeared for his initial court hearing on Thursday, October 23, following the incident that occurred on Tuesday, September 30, around 4 p.m. on the 5200 block of Austral Drive, near the 56th Street exit on Interstate 465.
Court documents revealed that Awobiyi had arranged to meet a woman before an argument broke out between them. Police reports state that Awobiyi became aggressive and pointed a gun at the woman, prompting her to scream for help and call Deaton for assistance.
When Deaton arrived at the scene, Awobiyi allegedly fired multiple shots at him, killing him instantly. Medics later pronounced Deaton dead at the scene.
Witnesses told investigators that Awobiyi fled on foot before officers arrived. Homicide detectives with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) launched an investigation, canvassing the area for witnesses, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence.
Video footage obtained by police reportedly shows Awobiyi walking down Austral Drive before entering a wooded area behind several homes. Moments later, Deaton is seen exiting his vehicle and running toward the back of the house, followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. Seconds afterward, a figure identified as the suspect is seen running from behind the houses.
Investigators executed a search warrant at a residence on Stanhope Way, near the crime scene. During the search, officers discovered a firearm wrapped in a plastic bag inside a toilet tank.
Awobiyi was arrested on Monday, October 20, after being spotted walking in the neighborhood. During questioning, he reportedly admitted to keeping a gun in his home.
He has since been charged with murder, and a remote attorney conference for the case is scheduled for November 20.
