LA PLATA, Md. — A 27-year-old La Plata resident was sentenced to 10 years in prison following his role in a deadly 2022 drug transaction that ended in the shooting death of a teenager in Waldorf. Dalvin Devonte Risi received the sentence from Charles County Circuit Court Judge Monise A. Stephenson on August 21, 2025, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and wearing, carrying and transporting a handgun in a vehicle. The Charles County murder sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by local authorities to address drug-fueled violence in the region.
The case stems from an October 23, 2022, incident where Risi drove two accomplices to confront 19-year-old Aden Christopher Garcia after a failed drug deal. According to investigators, Risi, co-defendant Ricardo Kevon Colbert-Lyles and an unidentified suspect initially met Garcia at Risi’s black Nissan Versa in Waldorf. When the transaction fell through, Garcia walked away to his neighborhood. The suspects then directed Risi to follow, where one exited the vehicle, approached Garcia as he sat in another car and fired multiple shots, striking him once in the head. Garcia was rushed to Southern Maryland Hospital Center but died the next day.
Surveillance video captured the shooting and the Nissan Versa fleeing the scene, leading authorities to identify Risi as the primary driver. Further probes revealed Colbert-Lyles had asked Risi to pick up him and the unknown suspect, whom Risi did not know, prior to the encounter. Risi entered his guilty plea on December 21, 2023, setting the stage for the recent Charles County murder sentencing.
Colbert-Lyles, 24, of Waldorf, faced a harsher penalty for his involvement. On June 27, 2025, Charles County Circuit Court Judge William R. Greer, Jr. sentenced him to 25 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in May 2025. The Charles County murder sentencing for Colbert-Lyles highlighted the coordinated nature of the plot, with investigators noting the group’s intent to ambush Garcia following the botched exchange.
At Risi’s hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Beattie emphasized accountability, telling the judge, “When you make certain decisions, you’re on the hook for the repercussions of those decisions. The decisions he made does have a consequence. He does need to be held accountable.” The sentence included life with all but 10 years suspended for the conspiracy count and three years concurrent for the handgun charge. Upon release, Risi faces five years of supervised probation, with a potential life term if violated.
Charles County State’s Attorney Tony Covington, who has served since 2011 and made history as the first African American in the role, announced the outcome. Covington’s office has prioritized prosecuting violent offenses tied to narcotics, as seen in this case. The Charles County murder sentencing aligns with broader enforcement strategies in a county where drug-related incidents remain a concern.
The investigation, led by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, relied on 911 calls, witness accounts and video evidence to build the case against Risi and his co-defendants. Prince George’s County 911 operators first received a report of the shooting, with the caller transporting Garcia to the hospital before being intercepted by emergency responders. This collaborative response between jurisdictions exemplifies how law enforcement in Southern Maryland handles cross-county emergencies.
Judge Stephenson, appointed to the bench in 2022 after prior roles as an assistant state’s attorney and private practitioner, presided over the proceeding in La Plata’s courthouse. Her background in Charles County legal matters ensures familiarity with local protocols, contributing to efficient case resolutions.
As Risi begins his term, the case closes a chapter on Garcia’s death, but it reminds Charles County of the risks tied to illegal drug activities. Probation terms will include supervision to prevent reoffending, with life imprisonment looming for any breaches.