TACOMA — A man found guilty of first-degree murder in the July 2010 shooting of a woman hit by a stray bullet while standing in front of her Tacoma house, has been sentenced to more than 61 years in prison.
Olujimi Blakeney was sentenced Wednesday. He also had been convicted in mid-July of drive-by shooting, unlawful possession of a firearm and assault.
Investigators said a fight involving several men escalated into a shooting, outside of the home of Lisa and Joe Melancon. The couple stepped outside to see what the commotion was about and the 40-year-old woman was hit. The bullet narrowly missed her husband.
Blakeney did not make a statement at the sentencing, but family members of the victim spoke about her importance to her friends, family and community.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
