On a Wednesday morning, the life of 44-year-old Antonio Kojesus Riley was cut short by gun violence in his hometown of Washington, D.C. The fatal incident occurred on October 23, 2024, at approximately 11:43 a.m. in the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast. Officers from the Sixth District of the Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of a shooting and discovered two men with gunshot wounds.
Both victims were transported to a local hospital by D.C.
Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Antonio Kojesus Riley, a resident of Southeast, D.C., succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The second man was treated for critical injuries. Riley, who was born on March 17, 1980, was known affectionately by friends and family as 'Ghost' or 'Khedafi.' He worked as a CDL driver and warehouse supervisor and also pursued a passion for music as an independent artist. He was remembered for his vibrant personality and infectious spirit.
The investigation into the double shooting continued for nearly two months. Initially, police released surveillance images of the suspected shooter, seeking the public's help in identifying the individual responsible. A reward of up to $25,000 was offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
On Friday, December 20, 2024, the Metropolitan Police Department announced an arrest in the case. Dawayne Smith, a 22-year-old from Southeast D.C., was taken into custody by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, pursuant to a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant. Smith has been charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Antonio Kojesus Riley. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly released by authorities as the investigation continues.
