17-Year-Old Nigerian Charged With Murder in Indianapolis Shooting

‎A 17-year-old Nigerian teenager, Emmanuel Awobiyi, has been charged with the murder of a 38-year-old man, William Deaton, in Indianapolis, United States.

‎Awobiyi, who resides in Indianapolis, appeared for his first court hearing on Thursday, October 23, following the incident that occurred on Tuesday, September 30, along Austral Drive, near the 56th Street exit on Interstate 465.

‎Police reports reveal that the tragic event began after Awobiyi got into a heated argument with a woman he had gone to meet. According to court documents, the confrontation escalated quickly, and the teenager allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at her.

‎Startled and frightened, the woman reportedly screamed for help and contacted William E. Deaton II, who drove to the scene in an attempt to rescue her.

‎However, as Deaton arrived, Awobiyi allegedly opened fire on him, shooting multiple times. Paramedics later pronounced Deaton dead at the scene.

‎Witnesses told investigators that the suspect fled the area on foot before police officers arrived. Detectives from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) launched an investigation, combing the neighborhood for clues, witnesses, and surveillance footage.

‎A search warrant was later executed at a nearby house on Stanhope Way, close to where the shooting took place. Video footage obtained by detectives reportedly showed Awobiyi walking down Austral Drive before disappearing into the woods behind several houses.

‎The same video also captured Deaton getting out of his vehicle and heading in the same direction. Moments later, multiple gunshots were heard, and shortly after, the suspect was seen running away from the area.

‎Investigators said the combination of witness accounts and security footage helped them identify Awobiyi as the prime suspect.

‎He was eventually arrested on Monday, October 20, while walking in the same neighborhood where the incident happened.

‎During a search of his home, officers reportedly discovered a firearm hidden inside a toilet tank, wrapped in a plastic bag. Awobiyi allegedly admitted to owning the weapon when questioned by detectives.

‎Following further interrogation, the teenager was officially charged with murder. Court documents indicate that a remote attorney conference for the case has been scheduled for November 20.