Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Violent Carjacking

Niyaz Burgess, a 20-year-old resident of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to charges of carjacking and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, according to the U. S. Attorney's Office.

The plea was entered before United States District Judge Kai N. Scott.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on July 14, 2024, when Burgess carjacked and shot a man on the 6600 block of Limekiln Pike in Philadelphia. The victim sustained two gunshot wounds to the abdomen and one to the arm, resulting in significant internal injuries.

The following day, Pennsylvania State Troopers discovered the victim's crashed and abandoned vehicle on I-95 South in Tinicum Township. The car was secured and transferred to the custody of the Philadelphia Police Department. Forensic testing later revealed Burgess's fingerprints and palm print on the stolen vehicle.

Burgess was charged by indictment in August 2023, and his sentencing is scheduled for February 15, 2025. He faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the FBI Philadelphia Violent Crimes Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department, with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Urban.