Authorities in Virginia have dropped two charges against a man accused of shooting his former partner and her two children in a deadly domestic violence incident last month.
Levy Nelson was arrested on April 21 after police said he opened fire in Richmond, Virginia, killing 18-year-old Zion Terry and fatally injuring 14-year-old Sadie Terry. Their mother, Tiffany Terry, survived the shooting with non-life-threatening injuries.
Court proceedings this week resulted in two lesser charges against Nelson being dismissed.
Charges Removed in Juvenile and Domestic Court
According to local reports, one count of malicious wounding and one count of felony use of a firearm were dropped in Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
However, the charges were reportedly dismissed only because Nelson is already facing identical charges in Richmond City Circuit Court along with several other serious offenses.
The remaining charges against him include aggravated murder, firearm offenses, child abuse, and possession of a weapon by a violent felon.
Family Relationship Details Revealed
Authorities said the shooting was connected to a domestic dispute involving Nelson and Tiffany Terry, who were previously in a romantic relationship.
Reports stated that Nelson was the biological father of Sadie Terry and the stepfather of Zion Terry.
Police arrested Nelson on the same day as the shooting.
Mother Speaks About Pain of Losing Children
Tiffany Terry has spoken publicly about the emotional devastation caused by the deaths of her children.
She said losing both children has permanently changed her life and described the grief as unbearable.
Despite the tragedy, Tiffany said she wants people to remember Zion and Sadie for the lives they lived rather than the violence that took them away.
Victims Remembered by Family and Friends
Family members said Sadie Terry dreamed of joining the military in the future. Loved ones described her as both sweet and full of personality, with interests including TikTok videos and beauty activities like doing lashes.
Zion Terry had planned to become a nurse and was known for his achievements at school. He participated in track and earned recognition through the National Honors Society.
His obituary described him as someone with a kind heart who shared love with everyone around him.
Community Support Continues
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Tiffany Terry as she recovers physically and emotionally while caring for her surviving child.
The case has continued to draw attention in Richmond because of the devastating loss suffered by the family.
