Birmingham Teen’s Shooter Sentenced in Court
Birmingham, AL – A significant development in a tragic case unfolded this week when Martez Willearl Jefferson, one of two suspects involved in the drive-by shooting of a 15-year-old Birmingham boy, entered a guilty plea. The incident critically injured Christian Savage, now 17, who was simply playing video games in his family’s apartment at the time.
Details of the Incident
On June 29, 2022, while Christian was in the second-floor bedroom of his home at The Rev. Dr. Morrell Todd Homes in the Kingston community, shots were fired into the apartment. Reports indicate that a total of 13 shell casings were recovered from the crime scene, and witnesses assisted police in identifying the suspect vehicle involved.
The bullet that struck Christian traveled from the right side of his face, piercing through to the left and lodging near his brain. This incident left Christian with a host of life-altering injuries, including blindness in his left eye, a severe brain injury, and partial paralysis on the right side of his body. Christian has undergone 16 surgeries since the shooting and must now rely on six different medications.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Jefferson, 21, pleaded guilty on Monday to a reduced charge of first-degree assault and discharging a firearm into an occupied building. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his involvement. Prior to the sentencing, Jefferson appeared in court before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Shanta Craig Owens and offered an apology to Christian and his family.
Christian’s mother, Patrice Leonard, recounted Jefferson’s emotional words during the hearing. He expressed sorrow for the pain he had caused, telling Christian, “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I hope you and your family can forgive me.” Leonard noted the sincerity in his eyes as he spoke to their family, and despite the gravity of the situation, she found components of forgiveness within her heart.
Impact on Christian’s Life
Patrice Leonard clarified the extent of her son’s suffering, stating, “We want to share with you the damage you caused to my child.” She explained to Jefferson that the injury has robbed Christian of his dreams; he had aspired to play in the NBA since he was four years old. “The dream that he has had since he was a child was all stolen from by you,” she said, adjusting the weight of her words to encompass not just personal injury but a shattered future.
Co-Defendant Sentenced
Last week, the second suspect, Derrick Greene, also pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling. Greene received a total sentence of 20 years in prison, with a minimum of seven years to serve, as the terms for his convictions will run concurrently.
Christian Savage spent more than 100 days hospitalized at Children’s of Alabama before returning home on October 14, 2022. He currently attends a different high school in Birmingham as he strives to recover from his injuries and navigate a new reality.
Looking Forward
The community continues to rally around Christian and his family, showing support during his difficult journey. As the aftermath of the shooting remains a painful chapter for many, it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences driven by violence.
Both Jefferson and Greene now face consequences for their actions, and the hope is that justice may provide some peace for Christian and his family as they work towards healing in the days and years ahead.
