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Nigel Pearson was sentenced to life in prison plus 138 years suspending all but 60 to serve, with the last 20 years to be served without the possibility of parole - well over Maryland Sentencing Guidelines - which called for a sentence of 25 years with 50 to serve.
Prosecutors "argued for the upward deviation from the guidelines, citing the permanent injury to the victim and highlight the negative effect brazen shootings such as this one have in Harford County."
According to the state's attorney's office, Pearson was a member of the "Rollin' 20's" gang who targeted members of the "Choppa Boys" gang on Stevens Circle in Aberdeen with the intent to shoot and kill them after their rivals posted a rap video on YouTube days earlier.
Pearson and others "mercilessly shot at a group of four teenage victims who were actively changing a tire in the parking lot, an then drove away," prosecutors added.
Two of the four were struck by bullets, one in the chest and one in the head.
Both survived.
Pearson then drove his vehicle to a secluded location in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania, where he torched the vehicle used during the shooting.
The vehicle was later discovered by Pennsylvania State Police troopers, prompting an investigation that led law enforcement straight to Pearson.
Pearson was convicted following a six-day bench trial of:
- Two counts of attempted first-degree murder;
- Four counts of first-degree assault;
- Four counts of use of a firearm in a crime of violence;
- Four counts of reckless endangerment;
- Handgun in a vehicle;
- Loaded handgun in a vehicle;
- Handgun on person;
- Illegal possession of a firearm by a minor.
"We will continue to request sentences that exceed the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines for offenders that commit violent crime in our community," Harford County State's Attorney Alison Healey stated. "My message is a swift and certain one that if you commit an act of violence, you will be held accountable to the absolute fullest extent of the law."
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