Detroit man behind random shooting spree sentenced to 28-50 years in prison

Detroit man behind random shooting spree sentenced

The Detroit man who killed three people and wounded others was sentenced to 28-50 years behind bars. Two people spoke on behalf of the victims, decrying the lack of mental health treatment that led to Dontae Smith's rampage.

(FOX 2) - The Detroit man behind a random shooting spree more than two years ago that claimed the lives of three people and wounded another was sentenced to decades behind bars.

Families of the victims who spoke during the sentencing acknowledged heartache after losing their loved ones, while using the space to plea for better mental health care.

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Dontae Smith, 21, was sentenced to 28–50 years in prison for the murder of three people during a random shooting spree in August 2022.

Mom of victim in random shooting spree to son's killer: 'I forgive you!'

Two years ago, Dontae Smith went on a random shooting spree -- killing Chayne Lewis Lee. On Friday, Smith was sentenced to at least 28 years in prison.

He pleaded guilty to murder, felony firearm, and assault with intent to murder charges in January, more than two-and-a-half-years after he shot people in the area of Wyoming, near Seven Mile.

Mental health played a role in the case, as well as in impact statements made by families of the victims who spoke during the sentencing.

What they're saying:

Families of two victims - Chayne Lewis Lee and Lari Brisco - both spoke during the sentencing.

Myha Lee, Chayne's mother, said her son was considered a homeless man, "but he was so much more."

"He was a father, a twin, a son, a man of God who loved people and only wanted everyone that he encountered to be happy," said Lee.

She said her son developed mental health issues after a party where he had a drink that was spiked. Because both struggled with similar problems, Lee said "So I do empathize with Dontae."

"The difference is he got help. He took his medication. He never hurt anyone and wouldn't even hurt an annoying fly."

Jason Gapa, Brisco's sister, said she was the family's "backbone."

"The person we turn to for support, guidance and a comforting laugh. And now she's gone forever," said Gapa.

"Our mental health system has failed again…if mental health care was more accessible and more proactive, perhaps we wouldn't be here today," he continued.