Washington Court of Appeals vacates sentence for Freeman High School shooter, orders him to be resentenced

OLYMPIA, Wash - The teenager who opened fire in a hallway at Freeman High School will have to be resentenced, due to a ruling from the Washington Court of Appeals.

Caleb Sharpe was 15 when brought a gun to Freeman High School and opened fire.

He killed one classmate, Sam Strahan, and wounded three others.

Sharpe pleaded guilty to aggravated first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of second-degree assault against 48 victims.

In 2022, after six months of hearing from victims and experts, Spokane Superior Court Judge Michael Price sentenced Sharpe to 40 years in prison.

Sharpe appealed the sentence on several grounds, including citing an RCW that states defendants who commit crimes when they're under the age of 16 can only be sentenced to 25 years in prison or less.

Sharpe also asserts that the firearms enhancement applied to his sentence cannot be applied if the crime was committed when the defendant is under the age of 16.

"Sharpe argues that a sentence of 40 years to life is an unconstitutional de facto life sentence," the Court of Appeals opinion states.

Sharpe also contends his confession given to police after he was arrested was involuntary and the trial court should not have considered it during his sentencing.

In the Court of Appeals opinion, the justices write that they agree that the 25-year sentence was the maximum that could be handed down because of Sharpe's age.

The Court did not have an opinion on whether the firearms enhancement was appropriate but said it should be addressed when Sharpe is resentenced.

"Finally," the Court writes, "we hold that Sharpe waived his right to challenge his confession when he pleaded guilty."

In its decision, the Court of Appeals says the sentencing court will be required to apply the Washington statute that carries a maximum of 25 years to life.

Freeman School District Superintendent Randy Russell called the decision "heartbreaking" issuing the statement below:

"Dear Freeman Students, Staff, Parents, and Community members,

The Freeman School District is disappointed in today’s announcement that the WA State Court of Appeals has ordered the re-sentencing of Caleb Sharpe. It’s heartbreaking that the Freeman students, staff, families, and community will be exposed to yet another conversation about the situation. We will continue providing support and services to Freeman students, staff, and families as we navigate our continuing road of recovery.

If you or someone you know needs support, please let us know. We appreciate your on-going support of the Freeman SD students, staff, families, and community."

You can read the full opinion here.

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