When Eric Pang and Israel Trevilla walked into Loudoun County Circuit Court Friday, they entered the room as adults. And the pair could face adult-sized sentences after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a series of drive-by shootings this summer.
Pang, 16, and Trevilla, 17, were indicted as adults in Loudoun County Circuit Court last month for one count of malicious wounding, five counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling and one count of arson.
Last summer, the Sterling teenagers shot at five homes through out Sterling Park, striking one man asleep in his Coventry Square bedroom.
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kraig Troxell said the shootings were gang related.
"It is believed the shootings were in retaliation over one of the two suspects being removed from a local gang," he said.
IN AUGUST, an 11-year-old, 16-year-old and 17-year-old pleaded guilty in a juvenile court for several burglaries that were related to the shootings.
"None of these teens were involved in the shootings," Troxell said.
The 11-year-old and 17-year-old were charged in connection with separate July burglaries that occurred in Sterling.
Pang and Trevilla, the 11-year-old and the 16-year-old entered a home in the 200 block of Cameron Court and stole three firearms, two of which were used in the shootings.
The 11-year-old and 17-year-old also stole computer equipment and a car key from another home in Sterling.
The Pang and Trevilla used the key to steal a 1997 Toyota Carolla that was recovered the day of the shootings along Harry Byrd Highway in Sterling.
Pang and Trevilla, both Park View High School students, had set the car on fire.
PANG WAS the first to enter Loudoun County Circuit courtroom Friday afternoon. He stood before Circuit Court Judge Herman Whisenant in a baggy, green jump suit and silver shackles that draped around his ankles.
He pleaded guilty, in a low voice, to all of the counts.
One hour later, Trevilla appeared before the court, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black pants, held his head up when Whisenant asked him questions.
He too pleaded guilty to all of the charges.
ASSISTANT COMMONWEALTH’S Attorney Robert Vernail said the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office could have charged Pang and Trevilla with more than a dozen crimes, but agreed to charge them with only malicious wounding, shooting into an occupied dwelling and arson.
"That’s enough charges to hold them accountable," he said. "It’s up to the judge to determine the sentencing."
Vernail said the judge could give them a complete adult-type sentencing, a complete juvenile-type sentencing, or a combination of both.
No matter what, Pang and Trevilla will have an adult record.
They could face up to 80 years in prison, Troxell said.
The teenagers will be sentenced in Loudoun County Circuit Court Monday, Jan. 29, at 9 a.m.