Lexington, KY, October 20, 2025
News Summary
A Lexington man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following a shooting incident that left a 5-year-old boy permanently blind. Michael Lemond, 23, pled guilty to multiple charges stemming from the December 2020 shooting, which occurred when he and an accomplice fired several rounds at a residence. The boy, Malakai Roberts, was struck in the head, and his mother was injured as well. The community has rallied to support the young boy through medical costs and awareness initiatives.
Lexington Man Sentenced to 15 Years for 2020 Shooting that Left 5-Year-Old Boy Blind
A Lexington man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection with a December 2020 shooting that severely injured a young boy. Michael Lemond, 23, received this sentence on September 12, 2025, after pleading guilty to multiple charges including two counts of second-degree assault and two counts of second-degree wanton endangerment.
The shooting incident took place on December 21, 2020, when Lemond and another individual discharged several rounds into a residence on Catera Trace. At the time, 5-year-old Malakai Roberts and his mother, Cacy Roberts, were present inside the home. The young boy was tragically struck in the head by a bullet, which resulted in permanent blindness. His mother, Cacy, was also injured, suffering from a bullet that became lodged in her arm.
The case has garnered significant community support for Malakai as residents have come together to assist with his medical costs and ongoing recovery process. In a remarkable display of resilience, Malakai has authored a book titled “Adventures with Malakai: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work,” sharing his journey and promoting the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges.
Details of Sentencing
The sentencing took place under the watchful eye of Judge Lucy VanMeter, who referred to the shooting as “terribly tragic.” During the proceedings, Lemond expressed remorse for his actions and discussed his commitment to self-improvement while in custody, indicating that he has participated in several rehabilitation programs, including a Christian-based substance abuse counseling initiative.
Lemond, who has been in prison since he was 18 years old, reflected on his past behavior, emphasizing his regret by stating a desire to absorb the pain of those harmed instead. His plea agreement resulted in a sentence consisting of 10 years for the first assault count, five years for the second count, and 12 months for the wanton endangerment charges, which will run consecutively to total 15 years.
Co-Defendant and Community Response
Alongside Lemond, another suspect, Teyo Waite, played a role in the shooting and is scheduled for a status hearing on November 21, 2025. The incident has had lasting ramifications, prompting community events aimed at raising awareness for victims of gun violence. Malakai was honored at the Citrus Bowl in January 2022 and recognized at an event dubbed “Many Miles for Malakai,” which focused on supporting gun violence victims and their families.
Conclusion
This case highlights the devastating consequences of gun violence and illustrates the community’s powerful response to support Malakai and his family during a challenging period. The emphasis on rehabilitation and accountability is viewed as a vital step in addressing similar incidents in the future.
FAQ Section
What was Michael Lemond sentenced for?
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in a shooting that left 5-year-old Malakai Roberts blind.
When did the shooting occur?
The shooting took place on December 21, 2020.
What charges did Lemond plead guilty to?
Lemond pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree assault and two counts of second-degree wanton endangerment.
What happened to Malakai Roberts during the shooting?
Malakai was struck in the head by a bullet, which resulted in permanent blindness, while his mother was injured as well.
Has the community helped Malakai and his family?
Yes, the local community has rallied to support Malakai with medical expenses and has also organized awareness events for gun violence victims.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 21, 2020 |
| Victim | Malakai Roberts, age 5 |
| Injuries | Permanent blindness for Malakai, arm injury for mother |
| Charges against Lemond | Two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of second-degree wanton endangerment |
| Total Sentence | 15 years in prison |
| Community Support | Fundraising for medical expenses, awareness events |
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Additional Resources
- LEX18: Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Blinding Child
- WKYT: Man Sentenced in Lexington Shooting
- Kentucky.com: Details on Lexington Shooting Case
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Shooting Incident
- WOWK: Man Sentenced for Shooting in Lexington
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- Google Search: Shooting Lexington
- Google Scholar: Guns and Violence Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: Lexington Shooting
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