Gun violence is becoming a larger and larger problem in the United States. Unfortunately, things have become so bad that it has seemingly become normal to learn about tragic incidents involving guns.
Earlier this year, a collegiate athlete’s dreams were ruined due to gun violence, and now the perpetrator of the violence has officially received his sentencing.
In February, Elijah Lee pleaded guilty to felonious assault with a firearm, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Lee was sentenced on Thursday to 10 to 14 ½ years in prison by Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Stephen McIntosh.
Lee, who was a juvenile at the time of the incident but who has since turned 18, shot Sammy Sasso during an Aug. 18, 2023 carjacking attempt near the Ohio State campus area.
“The bullet shattered one of Sasso’s vertebrae and lodged in his spine, clipping a nerve that runs to his legs,” reported the Dispatch.
“I went from that to a physical therapy room with 70 and 80 years old recovering from a broken hip. That was a humbling experience,” Sasso said of his experience recovering from the shooting.
“A lifetime dedicated to my sport, my craft, dedicated to becoming a NCAA champion. This last chance of mine to accomplish this dream was taken away from me.”
Hopefully, politicians across the country will learn from incidents like these and work toward instituting more gun control.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.