An Akron man has pleaded guilty to shooting a woman in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park last summer, leaving her with a life-altering injury.
DeZay M. Ely, 28, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of ammunition, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
The shooting occurred on July 3, 2016, when Ely attempted to kill a woman by shooting her in the head, according to court documents.
‘This defendant used a gun in a national park to try to murder a woman,’ Sierleja said. ‘We will continue to use all the tools available to us to prosecute and punish violent criminals.’
Anthony added: ‘Law enforcement is pleased that Dezay Ely is accepting responsibility for the horrific crime he and his associates committed against an innocent victim. The collaboration between the FBI, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Service, BCI and the public was invaluable to identifying and holding Ely accountable for this senseless crime.’
Ely is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 24, where he faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison for attempted murder. He will also face a mandatory minimum consecutive term of 10 years in prison for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
A second suspect, Raymond T. Moore III, 27, of Akron, was also involved in the shooting. His case remains pending.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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