A Nebraska man has been sentenced to 75 to 90 years in prison for the tragic shooting death of 15-year-old Synthia Elliott.
Selassie Spencer, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and using a deadly weapon after he and three others mistakenly fired shots into the wrong home on Nov. 30, 2022.
Their intended target’s house was difficult to locate, so they fired into the nearest residence, tragically killing the young girl who was asleep in her bedroom at the time.
Synthia, a student at North High School, was well-loved by her community. She was an active member of the Black Student Leadership Council and was known for her passion for dance, TikTok, and helping with school athletics.
Her family and friends described her as an “amazing young lady” and continue to mourn her loss.
At his sentencing, Spencer expressed deep regret, saying:
“Taking a life is a burden I will carry the rest of my life.”
However, prosecutors spoke about the senselessness of the act, noting Spencer’s criminal history and troubled upbringing.
Spencer’s defense attorney labeled the shooting as a result of “stupidity,” acknowledging the severe impact of the loss on Synthia’s family and community.
Synthia’s family friend, Malaiya Wagner, reflected on the heartbreak, saying:
“She deserved life. She was only 15.”
Synthia’s death serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of violence and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives.
