LA PLATA, Md. — On June 27, 2025, Charles County Circuit Court Judge William R. Greer, Jr. sentenced Ricardo Kevon Colbert-Lyles, 24, of Waldorf, to 25 years in prison for conspiracy to commit the first-degree murder of Aden Christopher Garcia. Following his release, Colbert-Lyles will serve five years of probation, with a potential life sentence if probation terms are violated, according to State’s Attorney Tony Covington.
Colbert-Lyles pleaded guilty to the charge on May 16, 2025. The conviction stems from a fatal shooting on October 23, 2022, in a Waldorf neighborhood. That day, Prince George’s County 911 received a call from an individual reporting that his friend had been shot and was being driven to Southern Maryland Hospital Center. Emergency responders met the caller en route, treated the victim, identified as Garcia, and transported him to the hospital, where he died the following day.
Investigators determined that Colbert-Lyles, along with co-defendant Dalvin Devonte Risi and another suspect, met Garcia for a planned drug transaction at Risi’s black Nissan Versa. The transaction did not occur, and Garcia walked back to his neighborhood. Colbert-Lyles and the other suspect then directed Risi to drive to Garcia’s location. Upon arrival, the suspect exited the vehicle, approached Garcia, who was seated in another car, and fired multiple shots, striking him once in the head. The suspect returned to the Nissan Versa, and Colbert-Lyles instructed Risi to pick him up before they fled.
Surveillance footage captured the shooting and identified the Nissan Versa, with Risi as its primary driver. Further investigation revealed that Colbert-Lyles had arranged for Risi to pick up both him and the shooter, who was unknown to Risi, and drive them to the transaction site. During the incident, Risi attempted to leave but was directed by Colbert-Lyles to wait for the shooter.
At the sentencing hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Beattie urged the court to impose the 25-year sentence, stating, “Without Colbert-Lyles, none of this happens. Without Colbert-Lyles, there’s no [shooter].” Judge Greer granted the request, finalizing the penalty for Colbert-Lyles’ role in the conspiracy.
The case highlights the legal consequences of orchestrating violent crimes in Charles County. Maryland law defines conspiracy as an agreement between two or more individuals to commit a crime, in this case, first-degree murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Colbert-Lyles’ sentence reflects the severity of his actions in planning and facilitating the events leading to Garcia’s death.
Court records indicate that the investigation relied heavily on physical evidence, including the surveillance video, and witness statements to establish the sequence of events. The collaboration between Charles County and Prince George’s County authorities ensured a thorough response to the initial 911 call and subsequent investigation. Emergency Medical Services also played a critical role in attempting to save Garcia’s life at the scene.
Charles County prosecutors emphasized the importance of accountability in addressing violent crime. The sentencing marks a significant step in the judicial process for this case, which has been ongoing since the 2022 incident. Additional details about co-defendant Risi’s legal proceedings were not provided in the announcement.
