Teenager Receives Prison Term for High School Shooting
In Tacoma, a 17-year-old individual has been given a prison sentence after being found guilty of shooting and wounding another teenager near a local high school during the summer months.
The incident occurred on June 18 outside Lincoln High School, coinciding with the end of the academic year. A 16-year-old was shot as students were leaving for summer vacation.
Following the shooting, the injured teen managed to reach a nearby establishment to contact emergency services. The injuries sustained were serious but not fatal.
Dar’Shawn Williams-Thomas, who was 16 at the time of the event, was taken into custody in relation to the shooting. In December, he admitted guilt to first-degree assault charges.
The court has ordered a 72-month prison term, equivalent to six years of incarceration. Credit of 186 days was granted for time already served in custody.
Prior to this incident, the defendant had no previous criminal history.
“Your Honor, I understand the seriousness of the charges before you, and I do not write this letter to minimize the gravity of Dar’Shawn’s actions. However, I firmly believe that at 17-years old, Dar’Shawn deserves an opportunity to learn from this mistake and redirect his life toward the positive trajectory he was on before the incident. A lengthy prison sentence at this critical juncture could derail all the promise and potential that this young man possesses,” a basketball coach expressed in a support letter submitted to the judge.
Court records indicate that adults convicted of similar offenses typically face sentences of up to a decade. Additionally, the teenager will be required to complete anger management courses as part of his rehabilitation.
