Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced today that Cedric Donta Harrison, 32 years old, previously residing in the 3200 block of Yorkborough Way in Virginia Beach, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to Aggravated Malicious Wounding, Malicious Wounding (2 counts), Malicious Wounding (Attempt), Unlawful Wounding (3 counts), Use of a Firearm (4 counts), Discharging a Firearm in a Public Place Causing Injury, and Maliciously Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle. This plea and plea agreement were accepted by Circuit Court Judge William R. O’Brien, and Harrison was formally sentenced to 69 years in prison with 51 years suspended, leaving 18 years to serve. Harrison must remain on good behavior for eighty (80) years after his release.
Had this matter gone to trial, the Commonwealth’s evidence would have proven that at about 3 a.m. on July 4, 2011, Cedric Donta Harrison was with a group of people at an after-hours party at a business off of Virginia Beach Blvd and Southgate Avenue. At least a dozen people were outside the business when a man named Earnest Hobbs confronted Harrison about money owed. After words were exchanged, Harrison eventually walked several feet away from Hobbs. Harrison pulled a handgun from his waist and fired it into the ground. He then turned toward Hobbs and the rest of the group, firing multiple times in their direction as he ran through the parking lot. At least three bystanders were shot and wounded as a result of Harrison’s actions. Seconds after Harrison fled, Hobbs produced a handgun and fired back in Harrison’s direction several times. Harrison fled the scene but was arrested several days later.
For his role in the crimes, Hobbs pleaded guilty to Discharging a Firearm in a Public Place Causing Injury and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 5, 2012.
Harrison’s prior convictions include charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (2 counts), Possession of a Cocaine (3 counts), Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine, Forgery, Possession of Marijuana (2 counts), Obstruction of Justice (3 counts), multiple Probation Violations, and a lengthy driving record.
The case was prosecuted by Associate Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott C. Alleman and Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Joseph A. DiNonno. Please contact Macie Pridgen if additional information is desired.