Man Pleads Guilty To Murder At Alexandria Intersection

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A Maryland resident pleaded guilty on Thursday, Sept. 5 for the murder of a woman at an Alexandria intersection.

The case stemmed from the Dec. 7, 2018 killing of Diamond C. Moore, a 20-year-old Alexandria resident. William Layton, 32, of Fort Washington, Maryland had been charged with murder in the first degree, use of a firearm in the commission of murder and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The maximum sentence for the first degree murder charge is life in prison and a fine up to $100,000. He could face up to three years for use of a firearm in the commission of murder and five years for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Investigations show Layton shot the unarmed Moore at the intersection of Holmes Run Parkway at North Ripley Street after joining a relative to confront Moore about a dispute. Witnesses observed a verbal argument, followed by Moore retreating and Layton shooting her.

Layton was believed to be two to three feet from Moore when he shot her, resulting in an upper body injury. Moore died of her injuries a short time later. Layton fled from the scene.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 22. Layton is being held at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center awaiting sentencing.