A Gary man was sentenced Thursday to six months work release and 2.5 years probation for an Aug. 16, 2020, shooting that wounded a 10-year-old girl riding her bike near Merrillville’s John A. Stefek Park.
Lorenzo Wilson, 23, broke down and cried as he spoke in court, saying he was trying to defend his autistic brother and never meant to hurt a child.
Shortly before the shooting, Edmond Campbell, now 29, beat up his brother, leaving him with a dislocated shoulder, injured nose and bruises. Campbell later pleaded guilty to battery. A witness said the brother was “curb stomped.”
In retaliation, Lorenzo immediately went out, chased and shot at Campbell in a gunfight near 70th Place and Harrison Street, wounding the girl in the back of her shoulder.
Wilson was originally charged with a handful of felonies, including attempted murder, but pleaded guilty on April 23 to criminal recklessness, a Level 6 felony, and carrying a handgun without a license, a misdemeanor.
The girl’s parents spoke in court.
Her father said she is now “more isolated” and “keeps to herself.” Before, she was “more vibrant,” “outgoing” and a “real happy kid.”
He really hoped Wilson “learns from the mistakes he had made,” he said.
Merrillville Police responded on Aug. 16, 2020, to 70th Place and Harrison Street for reports that three people were shot. Wilson was grazed by bullets on his thigh and shoulder. He declined medical attention.
A stray bullet from Campbell’s gun hit a different man, the affidavit states.
Judge Natalie Bokota applauded Wilson’s show of emotion Friday while noting the girl would still carry trauma. She ordered Wilson to write a letter to the girl, hoping it would be “cathartic” to them both.
Deputy Prosecutor Lindsay Lanham and defense lawyer Michael Woods handled the case.
mcolias@post-trib.com