Man sentenced to 35 years for scooter road-rage killing of Seattle community activist

Patrick Cooney, 37, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the road rage murder of Elijah Lewis, a community activist, in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. On April 1, 2023, Cooney shot at Lewis' car during a traffic dispute, killing Lewis and injuring his 9-year-old nephew. Cooney claimed he acted in self-defense, asserting that Lewis threatened him with his vehicle, but Judge Sean O'Donnell rejected this argument. The judge cited Cooney's history of road rage incidents and stated that he provoked the confrontation. During the sentencing, Cooney displayed anger towards the judge, demanding removal from the courtroom.

Lewis' sister, Quincy Dunham, expressed the profound grief caused by the murder, wishing for Cooney's mind and soul to suffer while in prison. The case underscores the serious implications of road rage on community safety and the need for greater awareness and prevention measures. The shooting incident has sparked discussions about the intersection of mental health issues and violent behavior in public spaces.