A man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murder following a three-day trial. The case involved the shooting death of Adan Obed Aguilar Suarez, 32, on March 23, 2023. The Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office confirmed the sentence.
The Incident
The tragic events unfolded when D’yvonte Ontario Collins approached Suarez and his brother, asking for a lighter. Suarez provided the lighter, and his brother returned to the car. According to prosecutors, once Suarez’s brother was inside the car, he heard gunshots and saw his brother lying dead. Collins, the suspect, fled the scene and ran into a nearby treeline.
Investigation and Arrest
The Charleston Police Department quickly located Collins, aided by surveillance footage from businesses near the scene. With the assistance of the Goose Creek Police Department, authorities were able to identify Collins, who later provided a statement confirming his identity in the surveillance footage. However, he did not admit to committing the murder.
Conviction and Sentence
D’yvonte Ontario Collins was convicted of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. In addition to his life sentence, Solicitor Scarlett Wilson emphasized the disturbing nature of the crime, revealing that Collins is believed to be a gang member who had only recently relocated to the area.
Wilson stated, “Law enforcement intelligence indicates this killer is a gang member who had only recently moved here when he lashed out in unprovoked deadly violence. We will never understand his true motive.”
The case has drawn attention due to its senseless violence and the tragic loss of life, with authorities committing to continuing efforts to reduce gang-related violence in the area.
