A northwest Indiana man was sentenced to 45 years in prison Thursday for ambushing and shooting a 25-year-old woman in an attack that left a bullet lodged in the victims back.
Donielle Steven Sims, 27, of Gary was convicted of attempted robbery, criminal confinement, aggravated battery and battery on Jan. 13 after a jury trial.
He was sentenced Thursday to 45 years in prison for ambushing, shooting and attempting to rob the woman as she brought packages into her home, according to a release from the Lake County (Ind.) Prosecutor’s office.
The 25-year-old victim, a security guard at the time, testified she is unable to find a job to support herself and her 4-year-old child, and is buried in medical bills, the release said.
She told the court she completed EMT training but is unable to pass the physical. A bullet is still lodged in her back and doctors say if it moves, she may be paralyzed.
The attack happened Dec. 17, 2008, as the woman returned home from shopping and was about to put the key in the door. Sims, wearing all black clothing and a mask, told her to open the door or he would shoot her, the release said.
When she wasn’t quick enough, he struck her on the head near her face twice with his fist. When she unlocked the door, Sims, whose voice she recognized, pushed her inside, pushed her down on the couch and demanded her gun.
As she handed hi the gun, Sims shot her in the stomach and right leg. She returned fire, hitting him in the stomach, the release said. Sims was arrested at a local hospital where he went for treatment.
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