Allahnia Lenoir death: Suspect in missing Atlanta woman's murder denied bond

ATLANTA - A man accused in the murder of 24-year-old Allahnia Lenoir appeared in court Thursday asking to be released on bond, but a Fulton County judge would not budge and ruled that he would stay behind bars until his trial. 

"He has been in custody for almost 2 years now without bond," his attorney Jay Abt said.

During Thursday’s hearing, Abt first argued the merits of the case and said there are no witnesses or evidence linking his client to Lenior’s death.

Court documents accuse Reynolds and Steven Oboite of murdering her and disposing of her body in July 2022. The documents say the two provided Lenoir with opiates inside an apartment. Investigators believe when she showed signs that she was in need of medical attention, the two men avoided calling 911 in an effort to cover it up. A 3rd suspect is also charged with helping hide her body.

"This is one of the weakest cases I've seen in my 29 years in the practice of law," Abt said.

Besides the evidence, Abt also argued bond was necessary for medical reasons. He says Reynolds was badly beaten by three inmates who came into his cell at the Fulton County Jail.

"His shoulder is absolutely and completely destroyed and in need of surgery, which he is not getting," Abt said.

Prosecutors and Lenior's parents fought the request for bond.

"I am highly concerned for my safety," said Jannette Jackson, Lenoir’s mom.

"As a father who tragically lost his only child, I plead to the court that justice be done, that you find no bond for Diante Reynolds," Abraham Lenoir, Lenoir’s father said.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jane Barwick was sympathetic to the jail attack but said if he needs care, he can get it in jail, and she can help with that if needed.

"These are difficult decisions, and motion for bond consideration is denied," Judge Barwick ruled.

After the hearing, Lenior's mom said she is grateful for the decision, but said it is tough being in the courtroom.

"I don't like being here, but I want my daughter to get the justice she deserves, and I want answers," Jackson said.

Steven Obiote is the only suspect still on the run, and he is one of Atlanta's most wanted.

The family is offering a $25,000 reward for information.

What happened to Allahnia Lenoir?

Lenoir was last seen going to an apartment complex at 1660 Peachtree Street on July 31, 2022, with a female friend. Family members told FOX 5 that the two women met up with two men at the apartment. Lenoir never returned home.

Almost three months later, Atlanta police announced that their investigation revealed she had been killed inside an apartment on Peachtree Street and her body was moved. 

"She did not at any point leave 1660 Peachtree Street on her own accord," said Atlanta Police Major Peter Malecki said at a press conference in 2022.

Authorities identified Reynolds and Steven Oboite as suspects. Reynolds was already in jail at the time on unrelated charges.

Despite extreme efforts including searches with K-9s, detectives, and entire police recruit classes, investigators have not yet found her body.

Who else is charged in connection with Allahnia Lenoir's death?

Oboite has been on the run since investigators identified him as a suspect. Investigators previously believed he may still be in the Atlanta area, but have not given an update on the search.

Lenoir’s family has offered a $25,000 reward for any information that leads to Oboite's arrest.

"They should want to know the truth and have these people off the street,"  Jannette Jackson, Lenoir’s mom, told FOX 5 in 2023.

In January 2023, a grand jury indicted Nicholas Henrickson for his role in helping the two suspected killers dispose of Lenoir's body. 

Hendrickson remains in jail after he was denied bond multiple times.