An 18 year old man received a 70 year prison sentence on Friday for his role in the 2022 shooting death of a 16 year old girl in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The case stems from a botched robbery attempt over a cell phone that led to the tragic loss of Le Brishia Hobbs life.
The Deadly Incident in Fort Wayne
Le Brishia Hobbs was shot in the head on July 6, 2022, in the backyard of her home in the 500 block of Picadilly Circle. She lay there for about eight hours before someone found her body. Hobbs slipped into a coma and fought for her life for nearly a month before she passed away.
Witnesses inside the home heard her yell stop right before the gunshot rang out. At first, they thought it was just someone firing a gun into the air, a habit they knew from the area. But the reality hit hard when police arrived and discovered the teen had been critically wounded.
The shooting shook the quiet southeast side neighborhood. Friends and family described Hobbs as a bright young girl with big dreams. She loved school and spent time with her siblings, always full of energy. This senseless act cut her story short and left her mother grappling with unimaginable grief.
Motive Behind the Robbery Plot
Court records reveal the group targeted Hobbs to steal her phone because it held compromising photos and videos of two of the teens involved. The images involved intimate moments that Hobbs had threatened to share publicly, sparking fear and anger among the suspects.
One of the girls exchanged tense messages with Hobbs on Instagram that night. She showed up at the house claiming she wanted to stay over, but things escalated quickly. The plan was to grab the phone at gunpoint, but it went terribly wrong when the shot fired.
Investigators pieced together text messages that showed the conspiracy unfolding. The teens worried about the content getting out and ruining their lives. This desperation turned a simple theft into a fatal confrontation, highlighting how digital threats can lead to real world violence.
Experts note that cases like this often stem from teen rivalries amplified by social media. In recent years, similar incidents have risen across the Midwest, where arguments over posts or pictures escalate into physical harm. Fort Wayne police have seen a spike in youth related crimes involving phones and online drama.
Charges and Arrests Unfold
Raymond Washington, then 15 years old, emerged as the alleged shooter after hiding out in Texas for over a year. His father reportedly drove him there right after the incident to avoid detection. Police arrested him in Frisco, Texas, in January 2024, and brought him back to Allen County as an adult.
Two other teens, Elaysha Underwood and Ja Layah Brown, faced charges first. Underwood, who was 17 at the time, admitted to recruiting help for the robbery because she feared Hobbs would recognize her. Brown, also 17 then, helped by providing information on Hobbs location or possibly the weapon.
The case moved through juvenile court initially but waived to adult court due to the severity. Prosecutors built a strong file with phone records, witness statements, and confessions. This thorough work ensured all three faced full accountability for their actions.
- Key evidence included Instagram chats showing the plot.
- Text messages between the girls revealed panic after the shooting.
- Phone searches confirmed the motive tied to the compromising files.
Plea Deals and Sentences for All Involved
Underwood pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in December 2023. Her deal dropped the direct murder charge and a gun enhancement. In September 2025, a judge sentenced her to 20 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.
Brown took a plea for assisting a criminal in March 2023. She agreed to testify against others in exchange for lighter charges. Her sentence came the same month as Underwoods, landing her six years behind bars.
Washington stood trial and a jury convicted him in September 2025 on murder, felony murder, robbery, and gun charges. Unlike his co defendants, he showed no remorse in court. The judge considered his young age but emphasized the brutality of the crime.
All three must pay 6,624 dollars in restitution to Hobbs mother for funeral costs and other expenses. This financial burden adds to their punishment and helps the family move forward.
| Defendant | Age at Time of Crime | Charge Pleaded Guilty To | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raymond Washington | 15 | Murder (convicted at trial) | 70 years prison |
| Elaysha Underwood | 17 | Conspiracy to commit murder | 20 years prison + 10 years probation |
| Ja Layah Brown | 17 | Assisting a criminal | 6 years prison |
Community Response and Broader Lessons
The sentencing brought some closure to Hobbs family, but the pain lingers. Her mother spoke out in court about the empty chair at family gatherings and the lost future. Community leaders in Fort Wayne held vigils to honor Hobbs and push for better youth programs.
This case mirrors other recent teen violence in Indiana. Just last month, a similar robbery in Indianapolis ended in a shooting, prompting calls for stricter phone privacy laws. Schools now offer workshops on digital safety to prevent such escalations.
Experts stress the need for mental health support in troubled areas. Many teens face pressure from gangs or online bullying, leading to poor choices. Fort Wayne officials plan to expand counseling services in high risk neighborhoods to curb future tragedies.
Parents can help by monitoring kids online activity and teaching conflict resolution. Open talks about sharing personal content might save lives. As one local advocate said, prevention starts at home.
Share your thoughts on this case in the comments below. What steps can communities take to protect young people from digital dangers? Your shares help spread awareness and spark important conversations.
