The family of Akim Toure, a 27-year-old IT professional originally from Sierra Leone, who was shot and killed in the United States are seeking justice for his death.
The heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Sunday evening near the entrance to the YOTEL hotel parking garage—just a few blocks from Union Station in Washington, D.C.
Toure, who immigrated to the United States as a child and was living in Riverdale, Maryland, is reported to have intervened to protect a woman from assault. Eyewitnesses say he placed himself in harm’s way—and was fatally shot for doing so.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), officers arrived on the scene at around 11:04 p.m. on August 3rd in the 400 block of New Jersey Avenue NW. Toure was found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds and later died at a hospital.
“He was trying to stand up for someone—and he lost his life for it,” said cousin Alexcia Bobb-Williams. “He wasn’t a bad guy. Go on his LinkedIn—he’s a professional, a corporate IT expert. He worked hard and looked out for his family.”
“Literally always looking at the next convention to go to,” Bobb-Williams said. “Just anything to level up and help his family.
The suspect is believed to have fled in a black sedan, possibly a Honda. He is described as a Black male with dreadlocks, dressed in a white shirt and shorts. As of Monday, no arrests had been made. ([FOX 5
MPD is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted by phone or text to their tip line, and a reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for assistance that leads to an arrest.
A family member described Toure as a committed and hardworking IT specialist who deeply cared for his mother and sister, especially after their father’s passing. His mother has publicly called for justice, urging authorities to bring those responsible to account.
“I want justice for my son,” Toure’s mother told NBC Washington, overwhelmed outside their Prince George’s County home on Monday.
D.C. police are actively searching for a suspect. No arrests had been made as of Tuesday evening.
