18-year-old LSU student shot and killed at New Year’s Eve party in D.C. hotel
Ashlei Hinds, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, was tragically shot and killed during a dispute at a New Year’s Eve party at a D.C. hotel. Just one hour and 18 minutes into 2024, a dispute broke out involving party crashers, leading to a fatal shooting. The incident occurred at the Embassy Suites hotel on Military Road NW. Hinds, described by her grandfather as “the sweetest thing this side of heaven,” became the first homicide victim in the District this year, following a record-breaking 274 homicides in 2023. Jelani Cousin, 18, of Northeast Washington, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting.
Hinds was a bright and promising young woman, growing up in Prince George’s County and attending Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro. Described as smart, friendly, articulate, and having a beautiful spirit, Hinds was a natural leader and excelled in school, sports, and extracurricular activities. She had a passion for photography and sports administration and had recently found her place at LSU.
The tragic loss of Hinds has reignited public conversations about the urgent need to address the rising violence and crime in the District. With the city’s highest annual homicide toll in 25 years, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and Police Chief Pamela A. Smith are calling for more aggressive policing, prosecutions, and detentions to hold criminals accountable. D.C. Councilmember Matthew Frumin, representing the area where the hotel is located, has announced a public safety community meeting to address the rising epidemic of gun violence in the city.
Hinds’s grandfather, the Rev. Kenneth Thomas Sr., expressed deep grief and frustration over the loss of his granddaughter and the broader epidemic of gun violence. He called on city officials to take more decisive action to address the crisis and protect the city’s youth from senseless violence.
The tragic death of Hinds serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address the rising violence in the District. As the community mourns the loss of a promising young woman, leaders and officials are being called upon to respond with measures that will ensure the safety and security of all residents.