Birmingham Teen’s Shooter Sentenced in 2022 Incident
Birmingham, AL – In a courtroom filled with emotion on Monday, Derrick Dewayne Greene, a 21-year-old man, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling from a 2022 shooting that left 15-year-old Christian Savage critically injured. The courtroom was palpable with tension, as the ramifications of the case have reverberated through the Birmingham community.
Christian, now 17, was wounded while playing video games in his bedroom at the family’s apartment in the Rev. Dr. Morrell Todd Homes on June 29, 2022. In a tragic turn of events, he was shot in the head by a stray bullet that traveled across the room, exiting from the right side of his face to the left side, where it lodged near his brain. Witnesses reported that more than a dozen shell casings were found at the scene, underscoring the chaotic and dangerous circumstances surrounding the incident.
Details of the Sentencing
As part of Greene’s plea agreement, he was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison, which includes five years for the assault charge. He will serve 10 more years for the firearm discharge charge, with two of those to be served in prison. Ultimately, Greene will spend a total of seven years behind bars, as the sentences will run consecutively.
Greene was taken back to the Jefferson County Jail following his plea, where he will await transfer to the Alabama Department of Corrections. His actions not only altered his life but profoundly impacted Christian Savage and his family. Christian’s mother, Patrice Leonard, expressed hope that Greene would use his time in prison for reflection.
“I pray that Derrick uses these years that he will be behind bars to open-mindedly reflect on what he stole from Christian as well as everyone who loves him,” Leonard stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “Please don’t take lightly the fact that forgiveness, grace, and mercy played a huge part in your sentencing,” she added, showing a remarkable spirit despite the pain her family has endured.
Christian’s Journey of Recovery
Christian’s journey has been nothing short of incredible. After the traumatic event, he spent over 100 days in the Children’s Hospital of Alabama, where he battled through surgeries and rehabilitation. His resilience shone through; he left the hospital on October 14, 2022, and is now continuing his education at another Birmingham high school.
Despite his ongoing challenges, including the loss of vision in one eye and a brain injury, Christian remains optimistic and is dedicated to rebuilding his life. He was once a point guard for the Woodlawn High School basketball team and continues to display the spirit of a fighter in every recovery milestone he achieves.
Next Steps for Other Suspects
While Greene has accepted responsibility for his actions, another suspect, 21-year-old Martez Willearl Jefferson, is awaiting trial scheduled for 2025. Jefferson faces a series of charges, including unrelated capital murder and five other felony shooting charges stemming from various incidents in June 2022. The community waits to see how the judicial process will unfold in Jefferson’s case, particularly given the serious nature of the allegations.
The tragic shooting has left lasting scars on both the Savage family and the Birmingham community, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of gun violence. As many continue to rally around Christian and his family, discussions about safety and preventive measures resonate strongly among residents.
The community remains supportive of Christian, with hopes for his continued recovery and a brighter future ahead.
