A Stafford man was convicted today by a federal jury for violently attacking a fellow passenger on a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport.
According to court records, on October 28, 2024, Everett Chad Nelson, 44, left his seat on United Flight 2247, walked over 20 rows forward, and launched an unprovoked assault on a sleeping, deaf passenger. Witnesses testified that Nelson climbed into the victim’s row and began punching him repeatedly in the face with both fists, targeting the victim’s cheeks, nose, and forehead. The brutal attack left the victim with serious injuries, including a broken nose, requiring months of medical treatment.
Another passenger heard the commotion, rushed to intervene, and managed to restrain Nelson. The flight crew secured Nelson for the remainder of the trip, and he was arrested by the FBI upon landing at Dulles.
Nelson now faces up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date, with the judge considering federal sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.