NORFOLK, Va. — A man found guilty of shooting five women — killing three — in Norfolk in 2021 was sentenced Friday to four life sentences plus 43 years.
News
Man found guilty on all counts for 2021 Norfolk mass shooting
Last November, after deliberating for just over four hours, a Norfolk jury found Ziontay Palmer guilty of 10 crimes related to the mass shooting.
Palmer will not be eligible for parole and will spend the rest of his life in prison.
The shooting, which happened in 2021, took place in the Young Terrace neighborhood. At the time of the shooting, Palmer was 19.
After reviewing the evidence, the jury believed Palmer shot and killed Nicole Lovewine, Detra Brown, and Sarah Costine and injured Angel Legrande and Shazelle Dixon.
News
Police, parents describe defendant's demeanor after 2021 Norfolk mass shooting
During the hearing, Circuit Judge Robert Rigney said the case was "by far the worst thing the court has ever seen."
Three family members of the victims spoke during the hearing, asking for the maximum penalty.
"I just want you to know you ruined a lot of lives," said Siera Elerson, the daughter of Sarah Costine.
Palmer's defense attorney Eric Korslund said 23 friends and family members had written letters of support for Palmer, which the judge reviewed before sentencing.
Korslund argued Palmer was still a teenager when the shooting happened and should receive a 70-year sentence with the possibility of him walking free as an older man.
"This is a horrible case," said Korslund. "The court must consider youth."
Judge Rigney spoke directly to Palmer when sentencing him. "This court is going to make sure no one in a free society is hurt by you ever again," he said.
At the end of his sentencing, Palmer smiled in the direction of the victims' families before his family and the victims' families left court separately.
Outside of court following the sentencing, Elerson told News 3 it was a relief Palmer received the maximum sentence.
"It's a relief. I'm happy. They gave us more than I was expecting. I'm glad. That's all I can say," she said.
