LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville man who fatally shot a photographer during a protest following the death of Breonna Taylor appeared before a judge on Tuesday for sentencing.
Police said Steven Lopez took a gun from a protestor and then shot into the crowd gathered at Jefferson Square Park on June 27, 2020. Photographer Tyler Gerth, 27, was fatally wounded in the shooting.
Earlier this year, Lopez pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and 22 counts of wanton endangerment.
On Tuesday, a judge sentenced Lopez to 30 years in prison following the prosecution's recommendation.
Lopez spoke during the hearing, apologizing for the shooting. He told Gerth's family it should have never happened.
"I cannot find enough words to convey how sorry I am. To say how remorseful I am. Truly from the bottom of my heart, I am sorry," Lopez said. He said he was convinced he was about to die, saying he was "being bullied at the rally," but the prosecution disagreed with that statement.
Lopez said he hopes to turn his life around and live up to the man that Gerth was. Prosecutors previously said Lopez agreed to obtain his GED, complete a vocational program and any treatment programs available while in custody.
'Never truly be closure.'
During the sentencing, the court heard impact statements from both of Gerth's sisters, Brittany Lowen and Tiffany Hensley, who read their own statements along with statements from their parents.
"We're relieved that this chapter of this story is over," Lowen told reporters after the hearing. "We have a life sentence of not having Tyler in our lives and that pain doesn't go away just because there's a sentencing. There will never truly be closure when someone you love is murdered, but we are grateful for today."
Lowen forgave Lopez for her brother's death during her statement, later saying that it was a difficult, but intentional choice.
"[Forgiveness] is not something that is natural, but my faith teaches me that forgiveness is possible," she said. "Even on days when I don't want to, I will choose to forgive him and I will choose to want the best for him and his life.
She also said Lopez's apology was meaningful to her and hopes it was sincere.
"I hope that he heard my words, that I want him to know who Tyler was and that hopefully Tyler can be an inspiration to make the most of his opportunity because his life didn't end that day," she said. "I hope that he is inspired by that man that he stole from us, by Tyler and his goodness and his generosity and I truly hope it motivates him to repent, seek forgiveness and change his life."
Hensley echoed her sister's sentiments during her own statement.
"I hope you choose to use this turning point to be an upstanding human being," Hensley told Lopez. "I hope you take the opportunities you get and make something of yourself. My brother would've wanted that."
Since Gerth's death, his family has created Building Equal Bridges, the Tyler Gerth Foundation, to continue his legacy. Lowen said they hope others across Kentucky see there is a chance to rebuild bridges and to have goodness come in spite tragedy.
In 2022, Former Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer unveiled a historic marker memorializing Breonna Taylor and the victims of the Breonna Taylor protests: Tyler Gerth and David McAtee. Earlier that year, Trinity High School also unveiled a sculpture honoring Gerth.
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