Two shooting co-defendants accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Aug. 28.
Lorenzo Covington, 20, and Gregory Nelson, 19, were originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of destruction of property, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for their alleged involvement in a shooting. The incident occurred on Oct. 14, 2024, on the 700 block of N Street, NW. No injuries were reported.
During the hearing, David Akulian, Nelson’s attorney, and Errin Scialpi and Karen Minor, Covington’s attorneys, alerted the court of their intent to accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution.
Through the deal, parties agreed for the defendants to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other indictment charges. Parties agreed to a sentencing range of two-to-five years of imprisonment.
The prosecution also agreed to dismiss a case against Nelson, in which he faced gun and drug possession charges. Nelson is also eligible for a short-split sentence, meaning he can receive a shorter period of time of imprisonment, in exchange for a probation period.
According to the prosecutor, had the case gone to trial, they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, the defendants and three other individuals, one allegedly identified as 20-year-old Zion Greely, lured the victim and produced firearms before shooting at the individual. Ballistics evidence proved four firearms were used during the incident.
The defendants further agreed they have no evidence to contradict the involvement of Greely or their own, and they have no information that exonerates any of them.
Covington and Nelson will undergo a Youth Act Study, which if adopted by the judge, would allow the defendants’ convictions to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene Nov. 6.
Greely is scheduled to appear Sept. 4.
