DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson declined to reconsider releasing a shooting defendant while he awaits trial during a hearing on Jan. 15.
Lorenzo Covington, 20, Zion Greely, 19, and Gregory Nelson, 19, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of destroying property less than $1000.
The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting on the 700 block of N Street, NW on Oct. 14, 2024. No injuries were reported, but gunfire struck three vehicles, and police recovered 27 shell casings and two bullet fragments.
After DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied Greely’s request for release on Nov. 5, 2025, his attorney, Diana Yu, filed a motion on Jan. 7 asking Judge Dayson to reconsider his detention.
At the hearing, Yu argued the prosecution had no direct evidence against Greely, claiming there was neither physical or forensic evidence nor witness statements implicating her client. Although the indictment filed on Dec. 17 added more serious charges against Greely, Yu argued the strength of the case had not changed.
In Greely’s prior theft case, Yu said, he fully complied with strict conditions of release and probation requirements. Greely would likewise follow any release imposed by Judge Dayson, Yu added.
Yu also noted Greely’s grandfather, who he was close to, was recently diagnosed with a serious illness, and Greely wished to spend more time with him.
The prosecutors disputed Yu’s claim that the evidence was weak. They said there was proof of Greely’s participating in a drug transaction with the victim minutes before the shooting, in addition to nearly continuous surveillance footage capturing Greely’s movements before and after the incident.
As a result, Judge Dayson determined that no conditions of release could ensure community safety and denied Greely’s request. The judge acknowledged Greely succeeded on probation but said his prior theft conviction now weighed against him.
Yu and Nelson’s attorney, David Akulian, also filed separate motions requesting to sever Greely and Nelson’s cases from their co-defendants. Judge Dayson noted that Covington’s counsel was not specified, but she expects a severance request on his behalf once his new attorney is appointed. The judge must determine whether holding joint trials would compromise the defendants’ specific trial rights.
As the cases were recently transferred to Judge Dayson, she postponed her decision on severance until she has reviewed the video evidence.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 5.
