Freeman High School shooter sentenced to 40 years
SPOKANE, Wash. — Freeman High School shooter Caleb Sharpe will spend 40 years in prison.
Judge Michael Price handed down the sentence Friday, nearly five years after the shooting.
Caleb Shape opened fire at the rural high school in September 2017, killing 15-year-old Sam Strahan and injuring three girls.
For the past week, doctors, witnesses, Sharpe’s family and victims have testified as part of his sentencing hearings.
His defense argued that Sharpe had an immature brain at the time of the shooting, while the prosecution argued that the shooting was pre-planned and he was just a regular teenage boy.
For the first time since the shooting, Sharpe apologized to his victims.
“I’m sorry to the community. I’m sorry to Jordan, Gracie and Emma,” Sharpe said. “And most of all, I’m sorry to Ami and Emily for taking Sam from them. I know they are just words, but I mean them.”
Ahead of handing down his sentence, Judge Michael Price addressed the court.
“I want nothing more than for the pain to subside for all of you,” he said.
He did note that he believes Sharpe can be rehabilitated, something Sharpe’s defense argued over the past few days.
Many wanted Sharpe to be sentenced to life in prison without parole, but that is no longer an option under Washington Supreme Court law.
Sharpe’s lawyers were seeking a 20-year sentence, while the prosecution was hoping for at least 35 years.
Sharpe will get credit for time served, which is nearly five years.
Freeman Shooter Sentencing Day 1: Defense seeks 20 years, but prosecutors want at least 35
Freeman Shooter Sentencing Day 2: Doctor says Sharpe has low risk of recommitting violent crime
Freeman Shooter Sentencing Day 3: Sharpe’s family speaks for the first time
Freeman Shooter Sentencing Day 4: Doctor concerned Sharpe could develop personality disorder
Freeman Shooter Sentencing Day 5: Mother faces her son’s killer
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