PHOTOS: Elijah L. Lewis Killer Sentenced to 35 Years

By Jordan Somers / All Photos: Jordan Somers

On Friday, May 16, Elijah L. Lewis’ killer, Patrick Cooney, received his official sentencing, totaling 35 years for second-degree murder and first-degree assault with a deadly firearm.  

On April 1, 2023, just moments after Elijah picked up his nephew to attend a monster truck rally for his birthday, his car came into close contact with Cooney, who was riding an electric scooter on the street.  After a brief exchange of words, Elijah proceeded to drive around Cooney, who pulled out a gun and fired five shots into the side and rear of the car.  One bullet struck Elijah’s nephew in the leg, and the other went through the driver's seat into Elijah’s back.  Elijah still had the wherewithal to drive his nephew to safety around the block before losing consciousness.

I hesitated to include photos of Cooney in this post, admittedly, given my vehement disgust for the man.  As much as I decree that compassion and forgiveness ought to remain at the forefront for true individual and collective healing, I struggled to find it - not only beyond the disturbing actions that took the life of our Brother, but also the condescension and true lack of remorse Cooney exuded throughout the sentencing.  All of us in the courtroom knew that if it wasn’t Elijah on April 1, 2023, it would have been someone else, likely of color, given Cooney's track record.

Although this chapter bookends a two-year grueling, exhaustive fight for justice, the impacts of Elijah’s murder will be forever felt far, wide and deep.  At the age of 23, Elijah left a legacy few achieve in an entire lifetime, propelling others from a place of such inherent curiosity and conviction.  A bonafide leader and entrepreneur, Elijah was the ambassador our community needed.  Not only did he master his own truth, but he inspired others to do the same just by virtue of being in his presence.

None of these words can ever truly do you justice, Elijah, but I know our actions can - and your spirit, your light, will forever be a guiding force in mine.

So much love, grace and gratitude to Jenine, Mario, Q and all of Elijah’s fam and community. - Jordan