LA PLATA, MD — A Charles County jury has convicted Jahad Karim Frierson, 27, of Waldorf, for the second-degree murder of Leon Nathaniel Inabinett Jr., following a nine-day trial concluded on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
The case stems from a shooting incident on June 20, 2021, at the Bryans Road Firehouse, located in the 3000 block of Livingston Road in Bryans Road. Officers responding to the scene discovered Inabinett suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the firehouse. Despite being transported to a local hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
Incident Details
Investigators revealed that the victim had attended a birthday party at the firehouse prior to the shooting. Frierson, harboring a grievance against Inabinett over a previous incident, conspired with co-defendant Ryan Lamont Bell to confront the victim.
Frierson and Bell traveled together to the firehouse, hiding in nearby bushes as they awaited Inabinett’s exit. When the victim stepped outside carrying a tray of cookies to load into a vehicle, the two men approached him. Frierson, armed with a handgun supplied by Bell, struck and then shot Inabinett multiple times before fleeing the scene with Bell in the same vehicle.
Inabinett managed to re-enter the firehouse, where he collapsed in a hallway.
Evidence and Arrest
Authorities identified Bell as being at the firehouse during the crime through data from an ankle monitor he was wearing for an unrelated case. Cell phone records also placed both Bell and Frierson in the area. Surveillance footage corroborated the timeline, showing the pair confronting Inabinett and fleeing after the shooting.
The handgun used in the murder was later recovered from Bell’s vehicle. Bell admitted to investigators that he cleaned the weapon following the incident.
Co-Defendant’s Plea and Sentencing
Bell pleaded guilty on November 14, 2022, to charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. His sentencing is set for December 19, 2024.
Frierson faces up to 40 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 6, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced the conviction, emphasizing the thorough investigation that led to Frierson’s prosecution.
The case highlights the impact of technology and witness testimony in securing justice for victims of violent crime.
