The Messenger: “A Kentucky man pleaded guilty on Jan. 3 to shooting into the crowd at a protest for Breonna Taylor in 2020, which resulted in the death of a photographer.
Steven Lopez agreed to a plea deal for a recommendation of 30 years in prison, including 18 years for the death of Tyler Gerth, WDRB reported. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and 21 counts of wanton endangerment, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.
“He’s extremely remorseful about what happened,” defense attorney Sheila Seadler said. “He really is truly sorry. It’s not characteristic of anything in his past.”
Lopez also agreed to obtain his diploma or GED, complete a vocational program and get treatment as part of the plea agreement, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Ebert Haegele told WDRB.
Lopez’s sentencing is on Feb. 13 in Jefferson Circuit Court. Gerth’s family is expected to speak at the sentencing.
“While nothing will ever bring Tyler back, and we will never truly have justice for him being taken from us, it’s an important step for Mr. Lopez to take responsibility for his actions and plead guilty to his crimes,” Gerth’s family said in a statement obtained by the Courier-Journal.”