Another delay as sentencing in Elijah Lewis murder trial postponed to May

The sentencing of Patrick Cooney, convicted of murdering Elijah Lewis, has been rescheduled to May 16, 2025. This decision was made by King County Superior Court Judge Sean O'Donnell, who granted a final continuance after acknowledging the need for due process. Cooney, 37, faces significant penalties for his crimes, including second-degree murder and first-degree assault related to a road rage incident in April 2023. His defense team is actively seeking to present mitigating evidence, including insights from a clinical psychiatric professor. The King County Prosecutor's office has outlined that the sentencing range for Cooney's offenses, enhanced by firearm use, is between 28 and 38.

5 years. Judge O'Donnell's ruling reflects the complexities of the case, influenced by issues such as juror illness and the defense's preparation needs. Lewis, remembered as a dedicated community builder, was only 23 when he was killed. His legacy continues to resonate within the Central District and Africatown communities, highlighting the impact of violence on local neighborhoods.