Mom of Myrtle Beach shooting victim begs judge not to send killer to prison. Here’s why.
It’s typical for the family of the victim to speak during a sentencing hearing. It’s not typical for the victim’s mother to stand next to her son’s killer and plead for his mercy.
But that is what Danielle Russell did at the sentencing of Tylor Rogers on Tuesday.
“I know that Tylor will pay for this for the rest of his life in his heart and soul,” said Danielle Russell, whose son died at Rogers’ hands.
Russell cried as she spoke of her son, Anthony Lemay, and Rogers, Anthony’s cousin. Earlier this year, Rogers shot and killed Lemay, though everyone admits it was without malice.
Rogers, 21, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and breaking into an automobile, both crimes leading to the death of his 14-year-old cousin. Russell stood near the defense table as she addressed Judge William Seals in an Horry County courtroom and asked that Rogers be spared the 10 years in prison he faced.
“I don’t believe he deserves to go to prison,” Russell said.
In February 2020, Lemay and Rogers broke into cars in their neighborhood near 65th Avenue North, said James Stanko, an assistant solicitor. They took guns from one of the cars and went on Snapchat to advertise them for sale.
While inside an apartment, Rogers dropped the magazine from the gun he was holding, but a bullet remained in the chamber. Rogers then shot Lemay.
“It appears very clear...,” Stanko said. “There was no malice. There was no intent to kill.”
Defense attorney Scott Graustein described the shooting as a “terrible tragedy,” but there was no evidence of an intent to harm.
“They were doing stupid things, and bad things happen when people do stupid things,” he said.
Rogers did not address the court during the hearing. Rogers was inconsolable after the shooting and tried to revive Lemay as police arrived at the home, Graustein said.
Seals sentenced Rogers under the state’s Youthful Offenders Act, but suspended it for four years probation. Rogers left the courtroom and Russell put a loving hand on his back to offer some comfort. In the hallway, the two shared a long hug.
This story was originally published September 29, 2020 at 6:41 PM.
