Defendant Pleads Guilty to Deadly Shooting in Garfield Heights Neighborhood

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A defendant pleaded guilty to a 2019 shooting that killed a 23-year-old man.

Andre Smith was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of Delwaun Lyons on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE, on July, 2019. After spending more than two-and-a-half years detained at DC Jail, the 34-year-old defendant pleaded down to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon during an April 11 hearing.

Smith and Lyons were standing next to one another before Smith pulled a gun from his waistband and shot Lyons in the back of the head, according to the prosecution. Smith was arrested with the murder weapon on Aug 22, 2019.

According to court documents, Lyons was involved in a shootout the day before his death.

As part of the plea deal, attorneys agreed to recommend a prison sentence in the seven to 13-year range, which will be followed by five years of supervised release.

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced June 17.

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