Gang Member Sentenced In Shooting Of 2 Teens Changing A Car Tire In Parking Lot

ABERDEEN, MD — A 22-year-old Aberdeen man has been sentenced for the fatal shooting that happened in November 2022 that spawned from a rivalry between two gangs called the “Rollin’ 20’s” and “Choppa Boys.”

According to the prosecution, one gang posted a rap video on YouTube just a few days before the shooting, which offended the other gang. On Nov. 16, 2022, Nigel Isaiah Pearson and other members of the “Rollin’ 20’s” drove two vehicles with the intention of confronting the “Choppa Boys” at the Cranberry Run Apartments Stevens Circle in Aberdeen.

Pearson and his group found four teenagers changing a tire in a parking lot and shot at them, hitting one in the chest and one in the head. Both victims survived, authorities said.

Pearson then drove to a wooded location in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania, and set the vehicle on fire. The burned vehicle was later found by Pennsylvania State Police, the prosecution said.

In July 2024, Pearson was convicted of two counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of use of a firearm in a crime of violence, four counts of first-degree assault and four counts of reckless endangerment and additional handgun charges.

On Oct. 26, Pearson was sentenced to life plus 138 years, suspending all but 60 years to serve. The last 20 years of the sentence will be served without the possibility of parole.

"We will continue to request sentenced that exceed the Maryland sentencing guidelines for offenders that commit violent crime in our communities. My message is a swift and certain one that if you commit an act of violence in Harford County, you will be held accountable to the absolute fullest extent of the law," said State's Attorney Alison M. Healey after the sentencing.