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Shooter gets 12 years for injuring boy, 17
By John W. GOODWIN Jr.
YOUNGSTOWN
The shooting of a 17-year-old boy after an argument over youths’ playing basketball in the street has landed a city man in prison for 12 years.
Richard Rice, 42, of North Lakeview Avenue, appeared for sentencing Friday before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on charges of attempted murder and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle.
Rice initially was charged with attempted murder, felonious assault, improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle and illegal possession of a weapon but pleaded guilty to the two felony charges in a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Witnesses told police Rice was driving along Lakeview Avenue and encountered juveniles playing basketball in the street. Witnesses said Rice left his car and cursed and threatened the juveniles, returned to his car, retrieved a handgun and fired, hitting the 17-year-old boy multiple times.
Robert Bush, chief assistant county prosecutor, asked the court to impose a 12-year sentence on Rice.
The mother of the wounded teen addressed the court before Rice’s sentencing, saying her son has been physically and emotionally scarred by the incident and no longer can play any sports or hold down a full-time job.
“Basically, we want to see him [Rice] locked up. ... He shot at my son seven times and hit him five times. My son almost died that day. It has messed him up physically and emotionally and messed me up to,” the woman said.
The teenage victim was in court but chose not to make a statement. His mother said she is seeking counseling for her son.
Rice, before sentencing, apologized to the teen, the teen’s family and his own family. He said he would respond differently if he had the chance to repeat that day in June, but he is glad no one else was injured.
“Only God knows the relief I feel that no one else was hurt in this incident,” he said.
Atty. Michael Kivlighan, representing Rice, asked the court to impose a six-year sentence. He said his client has taken responsibility for his actions, and six years would be enough time to deter him from any future criminal activity.
Judge Krichbaum disagreed with the defense on the needed sentence.
The judge sentenced Rice to eight years for attempted murder, one year for improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle and three years for the associated gun specification. All the sentences will run consecutively, for a total of 12 years in prison.